Aerospace and Defense

Located adjacent to Hill Air Force Base (Hill AFB), Ogden is a premiere destination for aerospace and defense businesses, and the center of Utah’s aerospace and defense industry. A strong commitment to the industry from state and local leaders, a highly skilled workforce, and a robust education pipeline have fostered a highly dynamic business environment. The Ogden aerospace and defense industry encompasses a range of specialties, from jet engine design and production, avionics and tech and software applications.

As the Air Force continues to invest in and implement advanced software and technology to support their mission and systems, the defense-tech sector has grown in Ogden. Two software initiatives out of Hill AFB are based at the Startup Ogden coworking space: SkiCAMP and EDDGE Advanced Development. These two initiatives perform software development for various programs at Hill AFB, with a focus on user-centered design and DevSecOps. Additionally, the multibillion-dollar Sentinel Program (GBSD), F-35 fighter jet, cyber security applications, and guidance systems out of Hill AFB are creating a large demand for business partners and talent to support these initiatives. 

Aerospace and Defense by the Numbers:

  • 259 Businesses

  • 10,752 Jobs (Private Sector)

  • 4.96 LQ - Aerospace & Defense Industry Employment

  • $100,407 Avg. Annual Wage

  • 8.0% of Total Regional Employment

Industry Sectors

Industry (Private Sector only) Empl. LQ Avg. Ann Wage
Engineering Services 4,066 1.87 $102,573
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing 3,083 105.46 $114,511
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing 1,482 10.81 $152,063
Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing 1,652 11.06 $107,614
Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 286 1.60 $71,788
Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing 65 4.57 $112,029

Workforce

Occupation Empl. Avg.  Wage
Project Management Specialists and Business Operations Specialists, All Other 1,284 $86,000
Computer Occupations, All Other 862 $85,300
General and Operations Managers 671 $96,500
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products 435 $81,800
Mechanical Engineers 535 $96,000
Civil Engineers 722 $85,200
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 438 $110,500
Managers, All Other 443 $90,200

Major Employers

Company Employees
Hill Air Force Base 25,000 +
Barnes Aerospace 100 to 249
Borsight 50 to 99
JBT Aerotech 250 to 499
Northrop Grumman 1000 to 1999
Parker Hannifin Control Systems 250 to 499
Petersen Inc. 500 to 999
PCC Structurals / CSG Foundries 100 to 249

Education & Training

Over 2,500 students complete engineering and manufacturing programs at area colleges each year. These colleges include: 

  • Weber State University
  • Utah State University
  • University of Utah
  • Bridgerland, Davis, and Ogden-Weber technical colleges
  • Salt Lake Community College

Pathway programs at local high schools include Advanced Composites, Engineering, and Information Technology. Apprenticeships developed by industry associations receive state funding (e.g., Machine Utah). 

Aerospace and Defense Related Regional Degree Completions

  • Engineering: 2,188

  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians: 1,096

  • Engineering Technologies: 730

  • Precision Production: 609

Industry data sources: JobsEQ Q4 2022; Utah Firm Find