Aerospace & Defense Growth Starts in Montgomery County, Ohio
Montgomery County, OH, offers aerospace and defense companies access to one of the nation’s most established military and aviation ecosystems. The region is home to over 2,100 aerospace and defense businesses and 17,000 industry jobs. Companies benefit from a skilled engineering workforce, active federal research, and direct links to defense operations.
Our county provides aerospace and defense companies with access to one of the nation’s most established military and aviation ecosystems. The region hosts over 2,099 aerospace and defense businesses and 17,000 industry jobs. Companies benefit from a skilled engineering workforce, active federal research, and direct connections to defense operations.
Unlike other hubs such as Huntsville, AL, or Seattle, WA, Montgomery County is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the largest and most complex Air Force installations worldwide.
The nearby Springfield Air National Guard Base specializes in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for federal and state governments. The Air Force’s commitment further positions the region as a national center of excellence in aerospace research, medicine, intelligence, education, acquisition, and technology commercialization.
Built Around Federal and Defense Activity
Federal installations in the region generate over $19 billion in annual economic activity and support more than 103,000 jobs, driving sustained demand for engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, logistics, and technical services.
In addition, Montgomery County offers competitive incentives to attract and support aerospace and defense companies, including tax abatements, grants for job creation, and site development assistance. These programs help reduce start-up costs and encourage ongoing growth for businesses expanding or locating in the region.
Access Skilled Aerospace Talent in Montgomery County, OH
The region offers a robust pipeline of talent for aerospace and defense employers. Companies in Montgomery County can recruit experienced engineers, technicians, mechanics, software specialists, and R&D professionals from a large regional labor pool.
Local universities such as the University of Dayton and Wright State University partner closely with industry to create tailored engineering and technology programs, while specialized workforce training initiatives further strengthen the supply of qualified talent. These education partnerships ensure a steady pipeline of skilled graduates ready to meet the needs of aerospace and defense companies now and into the future.
Key workforce advantages:
- Aerospace engineers earn an average wage of $113,260
- Strong concentration of engineering and technical services firms
- Nearly 2,000 aerospace and STEM graduates each year across the region
- Scalable workforce for maintenance, testing, and production operations
Support for Multiple Aerospace Segments
Montgomery County supports a wide range of aerospace and defense operations, including:
- Aerospace engineering and R&D firms
- Defense contractors and subcontractors
- Avionics and sensor technology companies
- Aircraft maintenance and repair operations
- Advanced materials and propulsion manufacturers
- Intelligence, surveillance, and data systems companies
Connect With Montgomery County Economic Development
To take the next step, reach out to Montgomery County Economic Development by phone or email to discuss your specific needs and objectives. Be prepared to share information about your company, project requirements, and anticipated timeline so our team can provide tailored site options, workforce solutions, and incentive details to support your growth in the aerospace and defense industry.


