Ohio Aerospace and Defense Companies: An Insider’s Career Guide
Why Ohio Is Attracting More Defense and Aerospace Companies
Ohio has re-emerged as a magnet for defense and aerospace companies seeking strategic advantages in an increasingly competitive global landscape. With recent major investments, a business-friendly environment, and access to critical military institutions, the state is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in this vital sector.
Recent Investments in Defense Tech
Defense contractors are making unprecedented investments in Ohio’s growing ecosystem. Notably, California-based defense contractor Anduril Industries announced plans to build “Arsenal-1,” a massive production facility in Pickaway County near Columbus. This facility represents nearly $1 billion in investment and will create over 4,000 direct jobs by 2035—the largest single job-creation project in Ohio’s history. The 5-million-square-foot manufacturing center will produce military drones and autonomous systems, with the first products expected to roll off assembly lines by July 2026.
Additionally, the state continues to attract aerospace manufacturing projects that contribute significantly to regional economies. The Cincinnati region alone generates $5.3 billion in aerospace-related gross regional product, with job growth of approximately 2% between 2019 and 2025.
Ohio’s Cost-Effective Business Environment
Aerospace and defense companies choose Ohio for its exceptional business climate and financial advantages. The state ranks third in the nation for friendliest tax environment according to Ernst & Young and the Council On State Taxation. Furthermore, Ohio offers a 0% state tax on corporate income, making it America’s second-best state for cost of doing business.
Beyond tax benefits, the state provides significant cost savings compared to coastal locations. Defense-related workers earn wages approximately 14% higher than the state average, yet operating costs remain substantially lower than Silicon Valley or New York. This creates an attractive value proposition for both employers and skilled professionals in the industry.
Access to Military and Federal Institutions
Perhaps Ohio’s greatest advantage is its robust network of military and federal institutions. The state is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and numerous other defense-related facilities that contribute nearly $40 billion to the overall economy. This network includes:
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, housing Air Force Materiel Command headquarters
- NASA Glenn Research Center, advancing aerospace technologies
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center
- National Space Intelligence Center
The proximity to these institutions provides defense contractors with direct access to decision-makers and creates a community aligned with strengthening national security. Additionally, Ohio ranks in the top five states for Department of Defense civilian employees, with over 62,000 defense personnel earning $3.3 billion in payroll.
This combination of strategic investments, cost advantages, and institutional access positions Ohio as an increasingly attractive destination for aerospace and defense companies seeking competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving global market.
The Resurgence of Aerospace Manufacturing in Ohio
The aerospace manufacturing sector in Ohio is experiencing a remarkable revival, building on the state’s rich aviation heritage. This resurgence is characterized by job growth, expanded R&D capabilities, and a rising demand for skilled professionals across the industry.
Return of Advanced Manufacturing Jobs
The Buckeye State stands above the national average for manufacturing health, earning a “B+” cumulative score from the Center for Business and Economic Research. This strong performance stems partially from Ohio’s extensive logistics network, which has helped aerospace manufacturing remain formidable despite global competition. Consequently, major investments are flowing into the state from both international and domestic sources.
Foreign companies are committing substantial resources to Ohio facilities. Honda Motors recently announced plans to invest approximately $1 billion on facilities in Anna, Marysville, and Russells Point while creating roughly 450 new jobs. Similarly, domestic giants like Ford have committed over $500 million to their Lima Engine Plant.
The impact on employment has been substantial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over 46,800 non-farm payroll positions were added to Ohio’s economy in a single year, with unemployment dropping to a healthy 5.5%. Indeed, Ohio is among just five states accounting for more than half of all new manufacturing jobs nationwide.
Growth in Aerospace R&D Facilities
R&D investment in Ohio’s aerospace sector has reached impressive levels, with over $9 billion allocated annually. The state is home to unique testing facilities that serve both military and commercial aviation companies, creating an innovation ecosystem that would be prohibitively expensive to duplicate elsewhere.
Moreover, Ohio recently created its fourth Innovation Hub in Youngstown, with $26 million from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program plus $36 million in local, federal, and private investments. This Aerospace and Defense Hub capitalizes on the region’s expertise in additive manufacturing technology.
Private companies are also expanding their R&D presence. GE Aerospace is investing in new technology development with plans to create more than 200 new engineering jobs by 2028, while GE Aviation chose Dayton for its $50 million EPISCENTER facility.
Increased Demand for Skilled Labor
Presently, the aerospace and aviation industry is expected to provide 3,776 average annual job opportunities across all occupations within the cluster. These positions offer exceptional compensation.
To meet this growing demand, industry partners are developing workforce initiatives, including 40 internships and 185 new STEM credential certificates. These efforts aim to address the skills shortages that persist across the sector, from aerospace engineers to technicians and mechanics.
Opportunities for Job Seekers in the Defense Industry
As Ohio’s aerospace and defense sector expands, job seekers face unprecedented career opportunities. The state currently supports over 110,000 aerospace employees, creating a robust job market for professionals at all career stages.
High-Demand Roles in Engineering and Testing
The defense industry actively seeks qualified professionals in several specialized fields. Test engineers are particularly sought after, with positions offering salaries ranging from $85,150 to $153,925. In fact, Ohio ranks ninth nationally for aerospace/defense leaders and maintains the third largest manufacturing workforce in the United States.
In-demand positions across the state include:
- Program managers and contract specialists
- Systems analysts and engineers
- Flight test directors and coordinators
- Industrial automation engineers
- Software developers with security clearances
Training Programs and Certifications
For job seekers looking to enhance their qualifications, Ohio offers numerous specialized education paths. The state features over 70 higher education institutions with aerospace occupation programs, alongside industry-recognized credentials essential for defense careers.
The AS9100 certification remains mandatory for defense industry suppliers, while ITAR certification establishes crucial controls over defense-related exports and imports. First thing to remember, Ohio’s education institutions provide specialized programs like the Defense Acquisition and Contracting Undergraduate Certificate, which prepares students for federal careers through a 12-credit curriculum.
Veteran Transition Programs and Support
Veterans possess valuable skills that align perfectly with defense industry needs. The Ohio Army National Guard Transition Assistance Program helps service members navigate benefits, employment resources, and transition support. Correspondingly, the DoD SkillBridge program allows service members in their final 180 days to gain internships with approved providers while maintaining military salary and benefits.
Private companies have established veteran-focused initiatives as well. GE Aviation’s Military Officer Leadership Program enables veterans to rotate through different job assignments over two years before moving into permanent positions. Subsequently, these structured pathways help veterans leverage their experience in high-value civilian roles throughout Ohio’s growing defense sector.
How to Align Your Career with Ohio’s Aerospace Growth
Positioning yourself for success in Ohio’s growing aerospace and defense sector requires strategic planning and targeted skill development. As the state continues to attract major investments and create thousands of new jobs, professionals who align their careers with industry needs stand to benefit significantly.
Identifying High Demand Skills
Currently, Ohio aerospace and defense employers seek professionals with specific technical competencies. Software engineering ranks as the most in-demand skill, followed by systems engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Beyond technical abilities, soft skills like leadership and project management remain equally valuable in this collaborative field. Most importantly, candidates should consider obtaining security clearances, as 67% of aerospace and defense jobs require them.
Several certification paths can enhance employability:
- ASQ quality certifications for manufacturing roles
- PMP for project management positions
- Six Sigma for process improvement specialists
Choosing the Right Companies to Target
When exploring Ohio’s aerospace landscape, candidates should consider both established leaders and emerging innovators. GE Aerospace serves as a major employer with facilities in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Peebles. Likewise, companies like Battelle, L3Harris, and Raytheon maintain substantial operations throughout the state.
Essentially, job seekers should research companies involved in Ohio’s recent growth surge. Anduril Industries, with its forthcoming $1 billion manufacturing facility, represents one such opportunity with projected creation of 4,000+ jobs. Given these points, targeting companies with Department of Defense contracts generally offers greater job security and competitive compensation.
Leveraging Ohio’s Workforce Development Programs
Ohio offers numerous resources to help professionals enter or advance in aerospace careers. The Ohio Aerospace Institute provides specialized training programs directly aligned with industry needs. In order to access financial support, job seekers can utilize TechCred, which reimburses employers for credential training, ultimately benefiting both companies and employees.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Development maintains an Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee focused on workforce development initiatives. For veterans transitioning to civilian aerospace careers, the Military Employment Resource Groups offered by many Ohio employers provide valuable networking opportunities and mentorship connections within the industry.
Conclusion
Ohio stands at the forefront of a remarkable aerospace and defense renaissance. The state’s strategic advantages have created an ecosystem where both established giants and innovative startups thrive. With major investments like Anduril Industries’ billion-dollar facility and GE Aerospace’s expanding footprint, Ohio demonstrates unprecedented momentum in this critical sector.
Consequently, job seekers face abundant opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, and R&D fields. The statistics speak volumes—110,000+ aerospace employees, salaries averaging over $100,000, and thousands of new positions emerging annually. These numbers reflect Ohio’s successful transformation into a defense technology powerhouse.
Therefore, professionals who strategically position themselves through targeted skill development and security clearances stand to benefit tremendously. The state’s comprehensive network of training programs, certifications, and veteran support services provides clear pathways into this growing industry.
Above all, Ohio’s resurgence represents more than economic statistics. The state has rekindled its aerospace heritage while simultaneously building the foundation for future innovation. This combination of historical expertise and forward-thinking investment creates a uniquely advantageous environment for career growth.
As defense technology needs continue expanding nationally, Ohio’s business-friendly climate, skilled workforce, and proximity to military institutions ensure its position as an aerospace leader for decades to come. Professionals who recognize and act upon these opportunities now will undoubtedly find themselves at the center of this thriving industrial evolution.