Aerospace & Defense

Top Aerospace and Defense Companies Choose Arlington 

Many of the top aerospace companies in Virginia and the nation choose Arlington for their operations. Six of the top 10 defense contracting companies maintain a large presence in the county, drawn by the strategic location that provides access to key clients and a highly experienced aerospace and defense talent pool.

These large corporations often serve as prime contractors for major aerospace and defense programs and provide subcontracting opportunities for businesses of all sizes. 

Prime Territory for Federal Contractors 

In FY 2024, Northern Virginia companies were awarded over $100 billion in federal contracts, accounting for more than 17% of all federal procurement dollars. Federal contracts awarded to Arlington-based companies have increased by over 7% annually over the past five years. (Source: USAspending.gov)

A Top-Notch, Specialized Talent Pipeline

The Washington, D.C. metro region has more than 300,000 workers in the science and engineering sector. Many of them are experienced in systems engineering and integration, cybersecurity, software development/engineering, as well as federal government processes and procurement practices.  

With the cluster of firms creating abundant job opportunities in aerospace, Arlington is one of the best communities for aerospace engineers. The steady flow of skilled talent pouring into the area combined with the strong industry ecosystem makes Arlington one of the nation’s top aerospace manufacturing hubs. 

Defense companies in D.C. and Northern Virginia hire from the pool of thousands of active and former service members transitioning to civilian life and military veterans with security clearances. They bring skills that align well with in-demand jobs requiring specific experience such as project management, civil engineering, information technology, logistics and supply chain management. 

Specialized Infrastructure and Global Connectivity

Arlington offers world-class infrastructure and industry-specific resources that support the growth of aerospace and defense companies.

With close proximity to the nation’s capital, companies in Arlington benefit from unparalleled access to international airports, high-speed transportation, and secure facilities designed for government and defense operations. The county's well-established support systems also include access to top legal, consulting, and financial services tailored to the needs of defense manufacturing companies. 

Aerospace and Defense Ecosystem 

Arlington and the Washington, D.C. region are home to a robust aerospace and defense business ecosystem.  

• Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• The Aerospace Corporation (AC)
• Air and Space Forces Association
• Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)
• Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
• National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
• National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
• Space Foundation
• Starburst
• Virginia Values Veterans (V3 Program)