This Is Florida · Jobs and money

Aerospace and space tech jobs in Florida: the biggest employers

Rockets, satellites, fighter jets, business jets, jet engines and the people who fix them. This page lists Florida's biggest aerospace and space employers: where they are, what they do here, what jobs they hire for and how to apply. It also has official Florida job counts and pay for the main aerospace jobs, and the schools that train people for them.

Employer facts come from each company's own website and newsroom, NASA, Space Force, Space Florida, the FAA and the schools themselves, checked November 9, 2026. Job counts are 2025 averages from the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages; pay is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Florida, May 2025.

Florida aerospace by the numbers

35,063aerospace manufacturing jobs (2025)
$131,977average yearly pay in aerospace manufacturing
14,850jobs building missiles and space vehicles, up 8.3%
45employers and schools on this page
IndustryFlorida jobsWorkplacesAverage payChange from 2024
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing35,063576$131,977+3.9%
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing14,85063$140,455+8.3%
Aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing6,514120$158,429+8.2%
Aircraft manufacturing6,045167$113,604-8.2%
Other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing5,458191$97,901+3.6%
Search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical, and nautical system and instrument manufacturing13,578178$118,566-2.6%
Other support activities for air transportation16,862791$82,441+0.8%
Space research and technology (federal government)2,2125$147,4580.0%

Private-sector 2025 annual averages unless marked. "Other support activities for air transportation" includes aircraft maintenance and repair shops. BLS keeps two small space-propulsion industries private for confidentiality, so they aren't shown.

What aerospace jobs pay in Florida

JobFlorida median payTop 10% earnFlorida jobs
Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers$225,020$356,680+7,760
Computer hardware engineers$134,160$203,510+3,290
Software developers$130,980$204,400+87,890
Aerospace engineers$129,280$177,070+3,250
Information security analysts$124,860$174,600+14,220
Engineers, all other$105,410$167,950+8,600
Electrical engineers$104,780$164,210+9,220
Industrial engineers$101,610$156,560+14,050
Mechanical engineers$99,980$153,950+10,740
Avionics technicians$83,800$134,060+2,400
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians$78,560$122,870+770
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians$76,940$130,190+14,850
Logisticians$76,410$122,930+15,020
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians$73,190$101,170+4,710
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers$64,580$98,290+1,280
Machinists$57,140$76,220+8,400
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers$50,640$70,390+16,420
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers$47,540$75,550+22,630

Pay is for all Florida workers in each job, in every industry, from the BLS May 2025 survey. The median is the middle: half earn more, half earn less.

Biggest Florida aerospace workforces

Only figures printed on official company or government pages, with the date they were stated. Older numbers may have changed.

EmployerFlorida workers, as printed
NASA Kennedy Space Center15,120 total KSC population, including 2,022 civil servants and 76 Pathways interns (FY2024 annual report, as of September 2024)
Lockheed MartinAbout 12,000 in Florida (company release, Dec. 2016); about 1,449 at Ocala Operations (company site page)
L3Harris Technologies9,000 employees at 27 Florida locations (Dec. 2024)
Northrop GrummanNearly 8,000 in Florida (May and Aug. 2026); about 5,000 at the Melbourne campus (Aug. 2026)
Blue OriginNearly 4,000 people in Florida (Space Florida 2025 year-end release)
AAR Corp.More than 1,300 AAR employees across Florida (quoted in AAR's August 17, 2026 release)
American Airlines Technical Operations (Miami)More than 1,200 Technical Operations team members in Miami (January 14, 2025)
Raytheon (RTX), LargoOver 1,000 (company careers page)
Piper AircraftOver 900 at Vero Beach (Dec. 2017)
Airbus U.S. Space & Defense (Merritt Island satellite factory)Just over 200 (Airbus U.S. article, May 2, 2025)
ChromalloyMore than 180 at Belac in Oldsmar (Aug. 2025)

Find an employer

Launch and space

SpaceX

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Launches Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets and Dragon missions from two Florida pads, and is building a large Starship and Super Heavy integration facility at Cape Canaveral. The FAA has completed its environmental review for Starship-Super Heavy launches from Launch Complex 39A.

Florida locations: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (Space Launch Complex 40); Cape Canaveral (Starship Gigabay under construction)

Recent news: Space Florida's 2025 year-end release lists a $1.8 billion, 815,000-square-foot Starship and Super Heavy integration facility (Gigabay) under construction at Cape Canaveral, with completion expected in 2026 and 600 jobs.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • SpaceX's Starship Gigabay at Cape Canaveral is a $1.8 billion, 815,000-square-foot integration facility expected to bring 600 jobs. (source)
  • SpaceX said it had a record year of more than 100 launches from its two Florida launch pads. (source)
  • SpaceX plans to bring Starship to Florida. (source)
  • The FAA reviewed SpaceX's plan to build launch and landing infrastructure for Starship-Super Heavy at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. (source)
  • SpaceX was Kennedy Space Center's largest contractor by dollars in the FY2024 annual report. (source)
  • SpaceX launches Dragon missions from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. (source)

Blue Origin

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Builds, tests and launches the New Glenn heavy-lift rocket in Florida, and assembles lunar vehicles at Cape Canaveral.

Florida locations: Exploration Park (rocket factory and New Glenn mission control, next to Kennedy Space Center); Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station; Lunar Production Facility at Cape Canaveral

Florida workers: Nearly 4,000 people in Florida (Space Florida 2025 year-end release)

Recent news: Space Florida says Blue Origin's $9.25 million Lunar Production Facility for lunar vehicle assembly at Cape Canaveral was completed in September 2025. New Glenn's first launch was January 16, 2025.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Space Florida says Blue Origin employs nearly 4,000 people in Florida. (source)
  • Blue Origin completed a $9.25 million Lunar Production Facility at Cape Canaveral in September 2025 for lunar vehicle assembly. (source)
  • Space Florida called New Glenn the first rocket built, tested and launched in Florida (January 16, 2025 statement). (source)
  • New Glenn is built in Exploration Park and launched from Launch Complex 36. (source)
  • Blue Origin says it is scaling its lunar program and facilities in Florida. (source)

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Runs launch operations for its Vulcan and Atlas V rockets at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Florida locations: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (launch operations); Camp Blanding (Atlas V rocket motor storage at a Space Florida facility)

Jobs it hires for: Avionics/electrical, launch operations, mechanical/structural, software and systems engineering; IT; quality/safety; security; supply chain; technicians/hourly; finance; HR; paid summer internships

Requirements: Interns must be a U.S. Person (no F-1 or H-1B sponsorship) and have a 2.90 GPA or higher; engineering interns are mainly aerospace, electrical, mechanical engineering and computer science students. ULA has a military and veterans careers program.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • ULA's launch operations are at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. (source)
  • ULA's careers site lists Cape Canaveral, Florida jobs, with categories from engineering to technician/hourly roles. (source)
  • ULA offers internships at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. (source)
  • ULA interns need a GPA of at least 2.90. (source)
  • ULA interns must be U.S. Persons and ULA does not sponsor F-1 or H-1B visas. (source)
  • A Space Florida storage facility at Camp Blanding holds ULA's Atlas V rocket motors. (source)

Boeing (Space)

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Moved the headquarters of its Space and Launch division to Titusville. At Kennedy, Boeing prepares the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft and supports NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Florida locations: Titusville (Space and Launch division headquarters and offices); Kennedy Space Center (Starliner processing in the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility; SLS operations)

Jobs it hires for: Recent Titusville postings include propulsion test, quality and propulsion systems engineering roles

Recent news: June 19, 2019: Boeing announced it was moving its Space and Launch division headquarters from Arlington, Virginia, to Titusville.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • In June 2019 Boeing announced it was moving its Space and Launch headquarters to Titusville. (source)
  • Boeing prepares its CST-100 Starliner in a former Shuttle hangar at Kennedy. (source)
  • Boeing's Florida SLS team works from its Titusville office and at Kennedy. (source)
  • Boeing's Titusville job listings included propulsion and quality roles in November 2026. (source)
  • Boeing says it has had a presence on the Space Coast for six decades. (source)

Lockheed Martin Space (Orion)

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Assembles, integrates and tests NASA's Orion crew spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center. Orion launched astronauts on Artemis II from Kennedy on April 1, 2026.

Florida locations: Kennedy Space Center (Orion assembly, integration and test)

Jobs it hires for: Hands-on assembly and support roles on Orion

Recent news: November 5, 2026: Lockheed Martin said it is adding more than 100 Orion assembly positions at Kennedy, working three shifts a day, seven days a week.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Lockheed Martin is adding more than 100 Orion assembly jobs at Kennedy Space Center (November 5, 2026). (source)
  • The Orion team at Kennedy works three shifts a day, seven days a week. (source)
  • Lockheed Martin has Orion teams at Kennedy Space Center. (source)
  • The Lockheed Martin-built Orion launched on SLS from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, starting Artemis II. (source)
  • Lockheed Martin's careers site lists Florida as a job location. (source)

Northrop Grumman (Space Systems)

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Supports the solid rocket boosters for NASA's Space Launch System at Kennedy Space Center, including thrust vector control and avionics systems.

Florida locations: Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral

Jobs it hires for: Engineers at several experience levels for SLS booster thrust vector control and avionics; acceptance testing and test engineering

Requirements: These engineering roles require at least an approved STEM bachelor's degree and the ability to read complex engineering drawings.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Northrop Grumman recruits Space Systems engineers at Kennedy Space Center. (source)
  • The work supports the thrust vector control and avionics systems of NASA's SLS solid rocket boosters. (source)
  • These roles require at least an approved STEM bachelor's degree. (source)
  • Space Florida lists Northrop Grumman among companies with long-term ties to the agency. (source)

Relativity Space

  • Launch and space
  • Space Coast

Building the launch pad and support infrastructure for its reusable Terran R rocket at Launch Complex 16, its exclusive-use orbital launch site. Terran 1 made its first launch there in 2023.

Florida locations: Launch Complex 16, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Jobs it hires for: Launch operations engineering; test and launch logistics (Cape Canaveral team members are featured on the careers page)

Recent news: July 2026 update (published August 11, 2026): crews energized the horizontal integration facility at LC-16 and activated permanent site power. Future Florida plans include a payload processing facility, a launch control center and a vehicle integration and refurbishment center.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Launch Complex 16 at Cape Canaveral is Relativity's exclusive-use orbital launch site. (source)
  • Relativity plans more Florida facilities, including payload processing and a launch control center. (source)
  • In July 2026 the team energized the horizontal integration facility at LC-16. (source)
  • Relativity's Cape Canaveral staff include launch operations engineers. (source)
  • Terran 1's first launch was from LC-16 in 2023. (source)

Satellites and space tech

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense (Merritt Island satellite factory)

  • Satellites and space tech
  • Space Coast

Mass-produces small satellites at its Merritt Island factory (formerly the Airbus OneWeb Satellites joint venture), with programs such as LOFT, Arrow 450 and Croupier for commercial and defense customers.

Florida locations: Merritt Island

Florida workers: Just over 200 (Airbus U.S. article, May 2, 2025)

Recent news: January 29, 2024: Airbus became sole owner of the Merritt Island satellite factory, retooled it for the Arrow450 production line and started an expansion project.

Sources differ: Satellite output: airbusus.com January 2024 release says it 'built more than 600 satellites' for OneWeb Gen1; airbusus.com May 2025 article says it 'delivered over 700 satellites'.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • The Merritt Island facility employs just over 200 people (May 2025). (source)
  • In January 2024 Airbus became sole owner of the Merritt Island satellite factory. (source)
  • Airbus retooled the factory for the Arrow450 line and started an expansion project. (source)
  • The site works on programs such as LOFT, Arrow 450 and Croupier. (source)
  • The site delivered over 700 satellites in just over four years for the OneWeb Gen1 program. (source)

Sidus Space

  • Satellites and space tech
  • Space Coast

Space and defense technology company that designs, builds and operates satellites (including LizzieSat) and makes space and defense hardware in a 35,000-square-foot facility in Cape Canaveral.

Florida locations: Cape Canaveral (headquarters, satellite production facility, manufacturing facility)

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Sidus Space is headquartered in Cape Canaveral. (source)
  • Sidus runs a 35,000-square-foot manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing facility on the Space Coast. (source)
  • Sidus designs, builds and operates its own LizzieSat satellite. (source)
  • Sidus has a separate satellite production facility in Cape Canaveral. (source)

Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper)

  • Satellites and space tech
  • Space Coast

Runs a satellite processing facility that gets its broadband satellites ready for launch from Florida.

Florida locations: Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center

Recent news: July 21, 2023: $120 million satellite processing facility announced (up to 50 jobs at first). Space Florida's 2025 year-end release says the facility is operating, a $19.5 million expansion is underway, and it lists 130+ jobs.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Amazon invested $120 million in a satellite processing facility at Space Florida's Launch and Landing Facility (July 21, 2023). (source)
  • The 2023 plan called for up to 50 new jobs averaging $80,000 a year. (source)
  • In 2025 the facility was operating, with a $19.5 million expansion underway and 130+ jobs. (source)

Redwire

  • Satellites and space tech
  • Northeast Florida
  • Florida since 2020

Jacksonville is the corporate headquarters, with 37,000 square feet for engineering design, prototyping, manufacturing and testing of flight hardware, including in-space manufacturing and 3D printing in space. At Kennedy, Redwire runs labs and environmental chambers that prepare research payloads before and after flight.

Florida locations: Jacksonville (corporate headquarters); Kennedy Space Center

In Florida since: 2020

Recent news: September 15, 2020: Redwire chose Jacksonville for its corporate headquarters.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Redwire picked Jacksonville for its corporate headquarters on September 15, 2020. (source)
  • The Jacksonville site has 37,000 square feet for designing, prototyping, building and testing flight hardware. (source)
  • Redwire's Kennedy Space Center facility has engineering labs, science labs and environmental chambers. (source)
  • Redwire subsidiary Made In Space had moved its headquarters to Jacksonville earlier in 2020. (source)

Defense and aircraft

L3Harris Technologies

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Space Coast
  • Florida since 1978

Headquartered in Melbourne; builds satellites and space vehicles at a Palm Bay satellite integration and test facility and is adding an advanced microelectronics facility.

Florida locations: Melbourne (corporate headquarters), Palm Bay, plus other Florida sites (27 locations statewide)

Florida workers: 9,000 employees at 27 Florida locations (Dec. 2024)

In Florida since: 1978

Jobs it hires for: Engineering, manufacturing, contracts and supply chain, IT, business and human resources roles in Palm Bay, Melbourne, Orlando and Patrick Air Force Base

Requirements: Some listings require a TS/SCI security clearance; the careers site has New Grads & Interns and Military & Veterans programs

Recent news: Aug. 21, 2025: completed a $100 million expansion of its Palm Bay satellite integration and test facility; Dec. 2024: $2 million state grant for two new Palm Bay buildings (about 100 jobs each)

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • L3Harris corporate headquarters is at 1025 W. NASA Boulevard in Melbourne. (source)
  • L3Harris has been headquartered in Florida since 1978. (source)
  • As of Dec. 2024 it employed 9,000 people at 27 Florida locations. (source)
  • A new Palm Bay satellite integration building was expected to provide about 100 jobs, and a microelectronics building about 100 more. (source)
  • In Aug. 2025 L3Harris completed a $100 million expansion of its Palm Bay satellite integration and test facility. (source)
  • Florida job listings include engineering, contracts and manufacturing roles in Palm Bay, Melbourne and Orlando, some requiring TS/SCI clearance. (source)
  • The L3Harris careers site lists programs for new grads and interns and for military veterans. (source)

Embraer

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Space Coast

Melbourne is Embraer's US and Executive Jets headquarters, with final assembly of executive jets, an engineering and technology center and a maintenance center; Jacksonville has the A-29 Super Tucano assembly line.

Florida locations: Melbourne (US and Executive Jets headquarters, final assembly, engineering and technology center, MRO), Jacksonville (A-29 Super Tucano assembly), Fort Lauderdale, Sanford

In Florida since: Manufacturing in the US since 2010, based in Melbourne

Recent news: Dec. 20, 2023: added an executive jet maintenance (MRO) facility in Sanford, Florida

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Embraer has manufactured aircraft in the US since 2010, with executive jet sales and industrial operations based in Melbourne. (source)
  • The A-29 Super Tucano assembly line is in Jacksonville. (source)
  • Melbourne hosts the US headquarters, Executive Jets headquarters, final assembly of executive jets and an engineering and technology center. (source)
  • In Dec. 2023 Embraer announced a new executive jet maintenance facility in Sanford, Florida. (source)
  • Embraer announced the Phenom 300EV light jet from Melbourne in July 2026. (source)

Raytheon (RTX), Largo

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Tampa Bay

Designs and builds RF and digital technology products, including high-volume box and crypto builds, vehicle and shelter integration, antenna assembly and test.

Florida locations: Largo

Florida workers: Over 1,000 (company careers page)

Jobs it hires for: Engineering, manufacturing and supply chain

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Raytheon's Largo site has over 450,000 square feet of manufacturing space and over 1,000 employees. (source)
  • Largo staff work in engineering, manufacturing and supply chain on RF and digital products. (source)
  • Site capabilities include large-scale vehicle and shelter integration and antenna assembly and test. (source)
  • The RTX Employee Scholar Program pays tuition for approved undergraduate and graduate study. (source)

Boeing

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Northeast Florida

Cecil Field in Jacksonville maintains, modifies and upgrades Navy and Marine Corps aircraft such as the F/A-18 and EA-18G, converts Super Hornets for the Blue Angels and supports the Air Force QF-16 program.

Florida locations: Jacksonville (Cecil Field at Cecil Airport); job listings also in Titusville, Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Cape Canaveral, Fort Walton Beach, Eglin AFB, Miami and Tampa

In Florida since: 1999 (Cecil Field)

Jobs it hires for: Maintainers, engineers and data analysts (Cecil Airport facility); current listings include software developers and P-8 maintenance roles

Requirements: Some Florida listings fall under engineering and IT security-clearance categories

Recent news: Oct. 28, 2021: broke ground on a 370,000-square-foot MRO facility at Cecil Airport under a 25-year lease

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Boeing opened its Cecil Field site at Cecil Airport in 1999. (source)
  • In Oct. 2021 Boeing broke ground on a new 370,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Cecil Airport. (source)
  • The new facility is for Boeing maintainers, engineers and data analysts supporting Navy and Air Force aircraft. (source)
  • The site converts F/A-18 Super Hornets into Blue Angels demonstration aircraft. (source)
  • Boeing's Florida job search lists openings in Jacksonville, Titusville, Daytona Beach, Hialeah and other cities (Nov. 2026). (source)
  • Florida listings include security-clearance engineering and IT categories. (source)

Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company)

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Southeast Florida

Assembles and flight-tests military helicopters, including the CH-53K King Stallion, UH-60M Black Hawk and HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter, and hosted the RAIDER X prototype.

Florida locations: West Palm Beach (Development Flight Center and Florida Assembly and Flight Operations campus)

In Florida since: Nearly 40 years in Florida as of 2016

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • The West Palm Beach facility builds and tests UH-60M Black Hawk, CH-148 Cyclone and CH-53K helicopters. (source)
  • In 2016 the company described Sikorsky as part of the Florida community for nearly 40 years. (source)
  • In March 2011 Sikorsky opened an assembly line for the CH-53K at its West Palm Beach campus. (source)
  • The first CH-53K King Stallion was delivered to the Marine Corps from West Palm Beach in May 2018. (source)
  • The RAIDER X prototype was at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center in West Palm Beach in April 2022. (source)

Piper Aircraft

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Southeast Florida

Designs and builds single- and twin-engine general aviation aircraft at its Vero Beach headquarters and is adding a factory service center.

Florida locations: Vero Beach (world headquarters and 30-acre manufacturing campus)

Florida workers: Over 900 at Vero Beach (Dec. 2017)

Jobs it hires for: Aircraft assembly and fabrication; technicians, A&P mechanics and support staff (new service center)

Requirements: Two-year paid apprenticeship in aircraft assembly (began 2019)

Recent news: July 20, 2026: new service center at the Vero Beach headquarters, opening Q4 2027, with at least 20 new positions

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Piper is headquartered in Vero Beach and is the largest private employer in Indian River County. (source)
  • In Dec. 2017 Piper had over 900 employees at its Vero Beach headquarters. (source)
  • In July 2026 Piper announced a new service center expected to add at least 20 jobs including technicians and A&P mechanics. (source)
  • The service center is set to open in Q4 2027. (source)
  • Piper apprentices are paid employees in a two-year aircraft assembly program. (source)

Lockheed Martin

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Statewide

Orlando works on missile defense, rotary and mission systems, and training and simulation; Ocala is a missile and fire control manufacturing and assembly plant; Pinellas Park builds electronic and circuit card assemblies; Titusville supports missile defense, hypersonics and space work near Kennedy Space Center.

Florida locations: Orlando, Ocala, Pinellas Park, Titusville, West Palm Beach

Florida workers: About 12,000 in Florida (company release, Dec. 2016); about 1,449 at Ocala Operations (company site page)

In Florida since: 1970 (Ocala Operations site)

Jobs it hires for: Engineers, technicians, manufacturing professionals, program management and business operations staff

Requirements: Ocala apprenticeship program that earns credits toward an associate degree in Engineering Technology at the College of Central Florida

Recent news: Feb. 2019: opened a $50 million, 255,000-square-foot Research & Development II building in Orlando; more than 1,000 Orlando jobs created since 2017

Sources differ: Ocala floor space differs across official pages: 428,000 sq ft vs. 393,000 sq ft and 'over 340,000 square feet'.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Lockheed Martin lists Florida sites in Ocala, Orlando, Pinellas Park, Titusville and West Palm Beach. (source)
  • Orlando teams focus on missile defense and rotary systems; Titusville supports deep-space exploration and launch operations. (source)
  • Lockheed Martin said in Dec. 2016 it had about 12,000 employees in Florida. (source)
  • About 1,449 employees work at the Ocala Operations site. (source)
  • The Ocala facility was established in 1970. (source)
  • In Feb. 2019 the company opened a $50 million R&D building in Orlando and said it had created more than 1,000 Orlando jobs since 2017. (source)
  • Ocala apprentices earn credits toward an associate degree in Engineering Technology at the College of Central Florida. (source)

Northrop Grumman

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Statewide

Melbourne designs, develops and tests manned aircraft and battle management systems (the B-21 was digitally designed there); St. Augustine builds the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; Kennedy Space Center builds parts of the Space Launch System boosters; Apopka processes and tests microchips.

Florida locations: Melbourne, St. Augustine, Kennedy Space Center, Apopka; careers pages also list Orlando and Tampa (17 Florida sites)

Florida workers: Nearly 8,000 in Florida (May and Aug. 2026); about 5,000 at the Melbourne campus (Aug. 2026)

Jobs it hires for: Engineering, software engineering, vehicle engineering, information technology, business management and communications

Recent news: Aug. 3, 2026: opened a 300,000-square-foot engineering building in Melbourne with space for over 1,200 engineers and 17 secure labs

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Northrop Grumman has 17 Florida sites. (source)
  • The company says it has nearly 8,000 employees in Florida. (source)
  • The Melbourne campus has a workforce of about 5,000 (Aug. 2026). (source)
  • In Aug. 2026 it opened a 300,000-square-foot Melbourne engineering facility with room for over 1,200 engineers. (source)
  • Melbourne designs, develops and tests manned aircraft and battle management command and control systems. (source)
  • The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye production line is in St. Augustine. (source)
  • At Kennedy Space Center the company works on solid rocket booster assemblies for the Space Launch System. (source)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

  • Defense and aircraft
  • Statewide

Kratos lists a space division office in Fort Walton Beach, an Unmanned Systems office in Orlando, and Turbine Technologies and Space Weapon Systems offices in Jupiter.

Florida locations: Fort Walton Beach, Orlando, Jupiter

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Kratos lists a Florida office at 35 Hill Avenue NW in Fort Walton Beach. (source)
  • Kratos Unmanned Systems has an Orlando office. (source)
  • Kratos Turbine Technologies has an office in Jupiter. (source)

Engines and parts

Honeywell Aerospace

  • Engines and parts
  • Tampa Bay

The Clearwater facility manages and performs Honeywell's work supplying navigation, display and control products for NASA's Orion spacecraft.

Florida locations: Clearwater

Recent news: Jan. 2020: Lockheed Martin contract for Orion spacecraft components, managed and performed out of Clearwater

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Honeywell's Orion spacecraft component work is managed and performed in Clearwater. (source)
  • The products are navigation, display and control equipment for human space exploration. (source)
  • Honeywell will provide 14 product types for Artemis missions III through V. (source)

GE Aerospace

  • Engines and parts
  • Tampa Bay

Clearwater is home to GE's Avionics Systems business, which makes data transfer systems (including for the UH-60 Black Hawk) and is one of GE's avionics repair centers.

Florida locations: Clearwater

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • GE's Avionics Systems business is in Clearwater, Florida. (source)
  • The Clearwater business supplies data transfer systems for Sikorsky's UH-60 Black Hawk (2018). (source)
  • Clearwater is listed among GE's avionics repair centers. (source)

Pratt & Whitney (RTX)

  • Engines and parts
  • Southeast Florida

Runs the West Palm Beach Engine Center, a maintenance, repair and overhaul shop for GTF airline engines, plus engine manufacturing and test work in Palm Beach County.

Florida locations: West Palm Beach (Engine Center and engineering/test site)

In Florida since: 1959 (Palm Beach County)

Recent news: Apr. 21, 2026: $20 million expansion of the West Palm Beach Engine Center (about 50,000 square feet, 40% more GTF capacity)

Sources differ: The GTF shop release URL is dated 2021-07-14 but the dateline inside reads July 14, 2020; the 2024 RTX release says mid-2021.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • United Technologies (Pratt & Whitney's former parent) had operated in Palm Beach County with Pratt & Whitney military engine programs since 1959. (source)
  • In April 2026 Pratt & Whitney expanded its West Palm Beach Engine Center by about 50,000 square feet. (source)
  • In April 2024 the company said the site would grow its workforce by 25% and add machining, test, clean and warehousing equipment. (source)
  • The West Palm Beach Engine Center became a full GTF engine overhaul shop. (source)
  • A 2012 expansion of the West Palm Beach facility was expected to create 230 jobs. (source)

HEICO

  • Engines and parts
  • Southeast Florida

HEICO is headquartered in Hollywood; subsidiaries there make FAA-approved replacement (PMA) aircraft and jet engine parts and repair engine hot-section parts.

Florida locations: Hollywood (corporate headquarters)

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • HEICO Aerospace Corporation headquarters is at 3000 Taft Street, Hollywood. (source)
  • Jet Avion, at HEICO headquarters in Hollywood, supplies aircraft and engine replacement parts. (source)
  • ATI in Hollywood repairs engine hot section components as an FAA Part 145 repair station. (source)
  • LPI Corporation, at the same Hollywood address, makes products for jet engines. (source)

Collins Aerospace (RTX)

  • Engines and parts
  • Statewide

Largo builds commercial aviation radars (including FAA radars), satellite and secure communications parts; Medley makes executive aircraft seating upholstery; Jacksonville makes large composite structures for submarines and ships.

Florida locations: Largo, Medley, Jacksonville

Jobs it hires for: Engineering and factory operations (Largo expansion)

Recent news: May 11, 2026: $26.5 million Largo expansion creating over 100 jobs; Oct. 23, 2024: $2 million Medley seating plant expansion

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • In May 2026 Collins announced a $26.5 million Largo expansion that will create over 100 jobs in engineering and factory operations. (source)
  • Largo produces radars, satellite and secure communications components and does testing. (source)
  • Largo will build FAA replacement radars; the new radar area is due to be fully running by late 2026. (source)
  • Collins expanded its Medley executive aircraft seating facility in Oct. 2024. (source)
  • Collins ships large composite structures from Jacksonville. (source)

Chromalloy

  • Engines and parts
  • Statewide

Makes and repairs turbine engine parts, including FAA-approved replacement high-pressure turbine blades and vanes coated at its Oldsmar Belac plants.

Florida locations: Palm Beach Gardens (corporate office), Oldsmar (Belac), Tampa (Chromalloy Castings)

Florida workers: More than 180 at Belac in Oldsmar (Aug. 2025)

Recent news: Aug. 26, 2025: opened its expanded Belac Coatings Center of Excellence in Oldsmar

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Chromalloy's corporate office is in Palm Beach Gardens. (source)
  • In Aug. 2025 Chromalloy held a ribbon-cutting for its newest engine component plant in Oldsmar. (source)
  • Belac operations in Oldsmar employ more than 180 people across two facilities. (source)
  • Chromalloy Castings in Tampa is part of its parts manufacturing network. (source)

Aircraft maintenance and services

AerSale

  • Aircraft maintenance and services
  • Southeast Florida

Corporate headquarters, component repair for hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic and mechanical aircraft parts, and repair of flight control surfaces, nacelles and thrust reversers.

Florida locations: Doral (corporate headquarters), Miami (AerSale Accessories near Miami International Airport), Hialeah Gardens (AerSale AeroStructures)

Jobs it hires for: Aviation professionals, engineers, technicians and mechanics

Recent news: AerSale AeroStructures is being relocated from Miami to an 88,000-square-foot facility in Hialeah Gardens (as printed on its locations page; no date given).

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • AerSale's corporate headquarters is in Doral, Florida. (source)
  • AerSale Accessories near Miami International Airport is a 112,000-square-foot FAA/EASA-approved repair station. (source)
  • AerSale AeroStructures is moving to an 88,000-square-foot facility in Hialeah Gardens. (source)
  • The Hialeah Gardens site repairs flight control surfaces, nacelles and thrust reversers. (source)
  • AerSale says it hires aviation professionals, engineers, technicians and mechanics. (source)

American Airlines Technical Operations (Miami)

  • Aircraft maintenance and services
  • Southeast Florida

Airline aircraft maintenance (Technical Operations) at Miami International Airport.

Florida locations: Miami International Airport

Florida workers: More than 1,200 Technical Operations team members in Miami (January 14, 2025)

Jobs it hires for: Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs)

Requirements: FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate; top George T. Baker graduates with an A&P are guaranteed interviews

Recent news: January 14, 2025: partnership with George T. Baker Aviation Technical College in Miami.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • American Airlines has more than 1,200 Technical Operations team members in Miami, many of them George T. Baker graduates (January 2025). (source)
  • Top Baker students who earn their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate are guaranteed interviews for open positions. (source)
  • American announced the George T. Baker partnership on January 14, 2025. (source)

StandardAero

  • Aircraft maintenance and services
  • Southeast Florida

Component repair including combustor overhauls in Miami; maintenance and avionics for large-cabin business jets at Opa-locka.

Florida locations: Miami (component repair), Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (Western Jet Aviation)

Recent news: October 9, 2023: Western Jet Aviation, a StandardAero company, certified as an FAA Part 145 repair station at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. November 1, 2018: 30,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Miami component repair facility.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • In 2018 StandardAero dedicated a 30,000-square-foot expansion of its Miami component repair facility. (source)
  • StandardAero says the Miami site is the largest provider of aerospace combustor overhauls in North America. (source)
  • Western Jet Aviation, a StandardAero company, became an FAA Part 145 repair station at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in October 2023. (source)
  • The Opa-locka site provides maintenance and avionics services for large-cabin business jets. (source)

AAR Corp.

  • Aircraft maintenance and services
  • Statewide

Heavy airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul for commercial airlines in Miami and Lake City, plus government services, parts supply and software offices elsewhere in Florida.

Florida locations: Miami (Airframe MRO at Miami International Airport), Lake City (Airframe MRO), Jacksonville and Rockledge (Integrated Solutions), Stuart (OEM Supply), Coral Gables (Airvoyant software)

Florida workers: More than 1,300 AAR employees across Florida (quoted in AAR's August 17, 2026 release)

Jobs it hires for: A&P mechanics, avionics technicians, composite technicians, structures mechanics, inspectors, logistics, procurement, supply chain, warehouse, accounting, administrative, sales, pilots

Requirements: Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship (about 2.5 years, toward A&P certification), also VA-approved; Embry-Riddle SkillBridge course for transitioning military and spouses

Recent news: August 17, 2026: ribbon cutting on a 100,000+ square foot Miami expansion with three heavy maintenance lines and 200 new full-time jobs. November 3, 2025: acquired HAECO Americas, including its Lake City, Florida facility.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • AAR's Miami expansion adds over 100,000 square feet to its Airframe MRO facility at Miami International Airport and supports three heavy maintenance lines. (source)
  • The Miami expansion creates 200 new full-time jobs with AAR (ribbon cutting August 17, 2026). (source)
  • AAR's August 2026 release quotes a congressman saying AAR already has more than 1,300 employees across Florida. (source)
  • In November 2025 AAR acquired HAECO Americas, which does heavy maintenance at facilities in Greensboro, North Carolina and Lake City, Florida. (source)
  • AAR lists Airframe MRO sites in Lake City and Miami, plus Integrated Solutions sites in Jacksonville and Rockledge. (source)
  • AAR runs a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship that is also approved by the VA. (source)
  • Veteran career paths at AAR include A&P mechanics, avionics, composite and structures technicians, and inspectors. (source)

Government and military

NASA Kennedy Space Center

  • Government and military
  • Space Coast

NASA's main launch site and a multi-user spaceport with about 100 private-sector partners. Programs include Exploration Ground Systems, Commercial Crew and the Launch Services Program.

Florida locations: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island

Florida workers: 15,120 total KSC population, including 2,022 civil servants and 76 Pathways interns (FY2024 annual report, as of September 2024)

Jobs it hires for: Civil servant skill mix is 67% science, technology, engineering and math and 33% professional, administrative and clerical

Requirements: Civil service jobs are posted on USAJOBS; with rare exceptions applicants must be U.S. citizens; USAJOBS resumes must be two pages or fewer. Pathways internships (posted on USAJOBS) offer a direct path to full-time NASA jobs. Contractor jobs are hired by each company directly.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Kennedy's total population (civil servants, contractors, construction workers and tenants) was 15,120 in FY2024. (source)
  • Kennedy had 2,022 civil servants and 76 NASA Pathways interns in FY2024. (source)
  • Kennedy's civil servant skill mix is 67% STEM and 33% clerical and professional administrative. (source)
  • NASA posts its civil service jobs on USAJOBS. (source)
  • With rare exceptions, NASA civil servants must be U.S. citizens. (source)
  • The Pathways Internship Program offers a direct pipeline to full-time NASA jobs after graduation. (source)
  • Kennedy is a multi-user spaceport with about 100 private-sector partners. (source)

Space Launch Delta 45 (Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station)

  • Government and military
  • Space Coast

U.S. Space Force unit at Patrick Space Force Base that supports launches from Cape Canaveral. Civilian jobs are posted on USAJOBS.

Florida locations: Patrick Space Force Base; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Jobs it hires for: Civilian example: information technology / information security manager (TEMPEST Manager) at Patrick

Requirements: Example USAJOBS posting: U.S. citizenship required; must be able to get and keep a Top Secret clearance; drug testing.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • A USAJOBS posting for Space Launch Delta 45 was located at Patrick, Florida. (source)
  • The posting required U.S. citizenship and a Top Secret clearance. (source)
  • The posting was an information technology management job. (source)
  • Space Florida worked with Space Launch Delta 45 to rebuild Space Launch Complex 20. (source)

Space Florida

  • Government and military
  • Statewide
  • Florida since 2006

The state's aerospace finance and development authority. It finances aerospace projects, manages spaceport infrastructure (including the 15,000-foot Launch and Landing Facility under a 30-year NASA agreement), leases sites in Exploration Park, and runs workforce and school programs.

Florida locations: Exploration Park (headquarters, next to Kennedy Space Center); Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy; Space Launch Complex 20; Space Life Sciences Lab; Camp Blanding storage facility

In Florida since: 2006

Jobs it hires for: Own staff openings posted on its Work for Space Florida page

Requirements: The Space Florida Academy Program links students to aerospace career and technical education credentials in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity/IT, logistics and semiconductors.

Recent news: 2025 year-end release: 220-project pipeline worth $6 billion; Space Florida Academy active in 36 school districts with more than 6,000 students at 185 high schools.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Space Florida was formed in 2006 from three state space entities. (source)
  • Space Florida manages the 15,000-foot Launch and Landing Facility under a 30-year agreement with NASA. (source)
  • Exploration Park sits just outside the gates of Kennedy Space Center. (source)
  • The Space Florida Academy Program connects students to aerospace-related career and technical education. (source)
  • The Academy is active in 36 school districts with more than 6,000 students. (source)
  • Space Florida had a 220-project aerospace pipeline worth $6 billion at the end of 2025. (source)

Training and schools

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)

  • Training and schools
  • Space Coast

ABET-accredited aerospace engineering B.S. and a College of Aeronautics with flight training.

Florida locations: Melbourne

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Florida Tech's aerospace engineering B.S. is ABET-accredited and offered on the Melbourne campus. (source)
  • Employers that recruit Florida Tech aerospace graduates include NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX and L3Harris. (source)
  • The College of Aeronautics has four AABI-accredited undergraduate programs. (source)

Eastern Florida State College

  • Training and schools
  • Space Coast

Aerospace Technology A.S. for space and aerospace technicians, and an FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance (A&P) program.

Florida locations: Cocoa (Aerospace Technology), Melbourne Airport and Titusville (Aviation Maintenance Technology)

Jobs it hires for: Prepares for testing, fabrication, assembly, repair, manufacturing and equipment operation jobs

Requirements: Limited-access programs with special application; Aerospace Technology students often serve apprenticeships at Kennedy Space Center

Recent news: June 6, 2022: state funding of $1.2 million for an Aerospace Center of Excellence on the Titusville Campus. Aviation Maintenance Technology moves to the Titusville Campus starting Fall 2026.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The Aerospace Technology A.S. is a 61-credit on-campus program in Cocoa. (source)
  • The program prepares students for entry-level jobs in testing, fabrication, assembly, repair and manufacturing. (source)
  • EFSC is an FAA-certified Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School. (source)
  • The aviation maintenance program is at Melbourne Airport and moves to the Titusville Campus starting Fall 2026. (source)
  • In 2022 the state approved $1.2 million for an Aerospace Center of Excellence on the Titusville Campus. (source)
  • Cocoa Aerospace Technology students often serve apprenticeships at Kennedy Space Center that lead to jobs. (source)

CAE and Simcom by CAE (Orlando)

  • Training and schools
  • Central Florida

Business and general aviation pilot training in full flight simulators; Simcom also offers maintenance training and specialty courses.

Florida locations: Orlando (Parksouth, Lee Vista, Lake Nona headquarters)

Recent news: Space Florida announced SIMCOM's $109 million new headquarters and training facility in Lake Nona, with more than 50 new jobs planned (undated release).

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • Simcom by CAE trains in four learning centers, three of them in Orlando. (source)
  • CAE Orlando is co-located within the Simcom Parksouth training facility. (source)
  • Simcom's Lee Vista center provides FAA Part 142 training. (source)
  • Space Florida reported SIMCOM investing $109 million in a new Orlando headquarters and training facility with more than 50 new jobs. (source)
  • SIMCOM provides pilot and maintenance training. (source)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach

  • Training and schools
  • Central Florida

University campus next to Daytona Beach International Airport with aerospace engineering, aviation maintenance, flight and space programs.

Florida locations: Daytona Beach

Jobs it hires for: Programs prepare students for aerospace engineering and aviation maintenance careers

Requirements: Aviation maintenance degrees are built around the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate; internships and co-ops available

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • The Daytona Beach campus has about 7,900 undergraduate students. (source)
  • The Daytona Beach aerospace engineering department has more than 2,400 students and says it is the largest of its kind in the country. (source)
  • Both aviation maintenance degrees are built around the FAA Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate. (source)
  • Embry-Riddle reports 93% of students employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation (2023-24 cohort). (source)

University of Central Florida (Aerospace Engineering and Florida Space Institute)

  • Training and schools
  • Central Florida

ABET-accredited aerospace engineering degrees and the Florida Space Institute for space research and education.

Florida locations: Orlando

Official source

What the official pages say
  • UCF's B.S. in Aerospace Engineering is ABET-accredited. (source)
  • UCF says its aerospace graduates work for NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and others. (source)
  • UCF's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department serves more than 4,000 students. (source)
  • The Florida Space Institute supports space research and Florida's space economy. (source)

Florida State College at Jacksonville (Cecil Center aviation)

  • Training and schools
  • Northeast Florida

FAA Part 147 Aviation Mechanic technical certificate and Aviation Maintenance Administration A.S.

Florida locations: Jacksonville (FSCJ Cecil Center)

Jobs it hires for: Aviation maintenance technician

Requirements: Prepares for FAA Mechanic written, oral and practical exams

Official source

What the official pages say
  • FSCJ's aviation maintenance professional courses are FAA-certified under Part 147. (source)
  • The certificate prepares students for the FAA Mechanic written, oral and practical exams. (source)
  • Monthly information sessions are held at the FSCJ Cecil Center. (source)
  • The Aviation Maintenance Administration A.S. prepares students for entry-level aviation maintenance jobs. (source)

George T. Baker Aviation Technical College

  • Training and schools
  • Southeast Florida
  • Florida since 1939

Public aviation technical college run by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, training aviation maintenance technicians for adults and dual-enrolled high school students.

Florida locations: Miami (near Miami International Airport)

In Florida since: 1939

Jobs it hires for: Aviation maintenance technicians

Requirements: FAA Part 147 certified; accredited by COE and NCATT

Recent news: September 11, 2024: School Board item to explore a South Dade campus at Miami Executive Airport. January 14, 2025: partnership with American Airlines.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The aviation program began in 1939 and moved to its current location in 1958. (source)
  • Baker is FAA-certified under Part 147. (source)
  • Baker prepares about 1,000 students a year for aviation careers. (source)
  • The School Board considered a South Dade campus at Miami Executive Airport (September 2024 meeting). (source)
  • Baker is one of two Florida schools accredited by NCATT. (source)

Broward College Emil Buehler Aviation Institute

  • Training and schools
  • Southeast Florida

FAA-certified airframe and powerplant mechanic certificates, pilot and air traffic programs.

Florida locations: Pembroke Pines (North Perry Airport)

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Broward College's aviation institute is linked to North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines. (source)
  • The airframe mechanics certificate complies with FAR Part 147 and is FAA certified. (source)
  • Broward College is FAA-licensed to offer training for both the Airframe and Power Plant mechanic licenses. (source)
  • Students choose a Traditional or Express full-time schedule. (source)

Miami Dade College School of Aviation

  • Training and schools
  • Southeast Florida

Aviation Maintenance Management degree for students who hold an FAA A&P license.

Florida locations: Miami

Requirements: FAA A&P license strongly encouraged before enrolling

Official source

What the official pages say
  • MDC awards 45 semester hours toward its Aviation Maintenance Management degree to students holding an FAA A&P license. (source)
  • Students are strongly encouraged to get their A&P license before enrolling. (source)
  • MDC's School of Aviation can be reached at 305-237-5950. (source)

FlightSafety International

  • Training and schools
  • Statewide

Pilot training learning centers with full flight simulators for business jets and turboprops (Citation, Embraer, King Air and others).

Florida locations: Orlando, Tampa (Lutz), West Palm Beach

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • FlightSafety lists Florida learning centers in Orlando, Tampa (Lutz) and West Palm Beach. (source)
  • The Orlando Learning Center trains pilots and has simulators for Citation and Embraer Praetor aircraft. (source)
  • The Orlando Learning Center is at 4105 Bear Road, Orlando. (source)
  • The Tampa Learning Center in Lutz trains pilots to fly Textron aircraft such as King Air and Citation models. (source)

University of Florida Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  • Training and schools
  • Statewide

B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering.

Florida locations: Gainesville

Official source

What the official pages say
  • UF's MAE department offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering. (source)
  • UF describes aerospace engineering as covering both aircraft and spacecraft. (source)
  • The department is in Gainesville. (source)

Space Florida Academy Program

  • Training and schools
  • Statewide
  • Florida since 2024

Space Florida workforce program that links high school career and technical credentials to aerospace jobs.

Florida locations: 23 school districts statewide, including Brevard, Duval, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach and others

In Florida since: 2024

Jobs it hires for: Target areas: aviation/aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity/IT, logistics, semiconductors

Requirements: Many pathways can begin with a high school diploma

Recent news: August 1, 2024: Space Florida signed agreements with 23 school districts to begin the program.

Careers and jobs · Official source

What the official pages say
  • On August 1, 2024 Space Florida announced partnerships with 23 school districts to start the program. (source)
  • Target areas include aviation/aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity/IT, logistics and semiconductors. (source)
  • Space Florida says these pathways can lead to well-paid jobs with a high school diploma. (source)

How to get hired

NASA and government jobs

  • NASA civil service jobs are posted on USAJOBS. (source)
  • Other than rare exceptions, NASA civil servants must be U.S. citizens. (source)
  • All NASA Pathways internship openings are posted on USAJOBS. (source)
  • Resumes submitted through USAJOBS for NASA jobs must be two pages or fewer. (source)
  • Contractors at NASA centers do their own hiring; apply to the company directly. (source)

Apprenticeships, clearances and tuition help

  • Lockheed Martin Ocala apprentices earn college credit toward an associate degree in Engineering Technology at the College of Central Florida. (source)
  • Piper Aircraft apprentices are paid employees during a two-year program. (source)
  • Some L3Harris Florida job listings require a TS/SCI clearance. (source)
  • Boeing's Florida job search includes security-clearance engineering and IT categories. (source)
  • RTX's Employee Scholar Program pays tuition, fees and books for approved study (Raytheon Largo careers page). (source)

Becoming an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic (A&P)

  • Applicants must be at least 18 and able to read, write, speak and understand English. (source)
  • Applicants need 18 months of practical experience for one rating, or 30 months working on both airframe and powerplant. (source)
  • Graduating from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (Part 147) or the military JSAMTCC course can also qualify you. (source)
  • Applicants must pass knowledge (written), oral and practical tests. (source)
  • There are three knowledge tests, taken before the oral and practical tests. (source)

Free job search help and training money may be available through your local CareerSource center. See the Help Wanted page and Florida hiring laws.

These official pages blocked the check:

Questions people ask

How many aerospace jobs are in Florida?

Florida's private aerospace product and parts manufacturers averaged 35,063 jobs in 2025, at 576 workplaces, with average pay of $131,977, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That doesn't count aircraft maintenance, airport support, navigation-equipment makers or NASA, which are separate industries listed on this page.

What do aerospace engineers make in Florida?

The median pay for aerospace engineers in Florida was $129,280 a year in May 2025, and the top 10% earned $177,070 or more, according to the BLS. Aircraft mechanics had a median of $76,940 and avionics technicians $83,800.

Who are the biggest aerospace employers in Florida?

By Florida workforce figures printed on official pages, the largest include Lockheed Martin (about 12,000 in a 2016 company release), L3Harris (9,000 in December 2024), Northrop Grumman (nearly 8,000 in 2026) and Blue Origin (nearly 4,000, per Space Florida). NASA's Kennedy Space Center reported a total workforce of 15,120 in fiscal 2024, counting civil servants and contractors.

How do I get a job at NASA in Florida?

NASA civil service jobs and Pathways internships are posted on USAJOBS, and with rare exceptions NASA civil servants must be US citizens. Most people at Kennedy Space Center work for contractors, who do their own hiring, so apply to those companies directly.

Do I need a degree for aerospace jobs in Florida?

Not always. Many technician, mechanic and manufacturing jobs train through colleges and apprenticeships. FAA mechanic certificates can come from an FAA-approved maintenance school or 18 to 30 months of practical experience, and companies like Lockheed Martin (Ocala) and Piper Aircraft run apprenticeships. Engineering jobs often ask for a degree; for example, Northrop Grumman's booster engineering jobs at Kennedy Space Center list a STEM bachelor's degree.

Do aerospace jobs require a security clearance or US citizenship?

Some do. Some L3Harris Florida job listings require a TS/SCI clearance, NASA civil servants must generally be US citizens, and ULA's internships require being a US person. Check each job listing for its requirements.

Apply through each employer's own careers site. A listing on this page is not an endorsement.