Hiring is picking up once again after the U.S. presidential election, with recruiters reporting a noticeable uptick in activity. Many companies, which had put their hiring plans on hold during the uncertainty leading up to the election, are now eager to fill roles across various sectors. Industries like healthcare, tech, oil and gas, and manufacturing are seeing the most activity, with smaller businesses leading the charge. The promise of a more predictable market is encouraging companies to invest in new talent, and experts expect hiring momentum to continue into the new year, with January traditionally being a strong hiring month. For job seekers, the message is clear: don’t slow down during the holidays—there are still plenty of opportunities ahead.
Layoffs: Boeing
Boeing has shared plans to reduce its workforce in the St. Louis area, with nearly 600 employees expected to be affected by mid-January 2025. The company explained that these layoffs are part of broader efforts to adapt to ongoing challenges in the aerospace and defense sectors, following financial setbacks and production delays. Roles across various departments, including engineering and supply chain, will be impacted. While these tough decisions reflect the difficult economic landscape Boeing faces, the company remains committed to navigating these challenges and continuing its vital role in supporting both commercial and defense aviation.
Hiring: MetroStar
MetroStar is currently hiring for a range of positions. They have over 80 roles available across various clearance levels, including Public Trust, Secret, Top Secret, and TS/SCI with CI Poly. They’re looking for people with skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, program management, and more. If you’ve got a security clearance and are searching for your next job, MetroStar could be worth checking out. The company has a strong focus on creating a collaborative environment where employees can thrive and contribute to important tech and defense projects.
Cleared Employer at Work: ClearanceJobs
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Opportunity to Watch
Maine’s defense industry is stepping up its efforts to address a growing workforce shortage. With thousands of jobs expected to open over the next five years, companies like Bath Iron Works (BIW) are focusing on hiring younger workers. In 2023, more than half of BIW’s workforce had five or fewer years of experience, a major jump from just 17% in 2010. The company has invested $129 million in recruitment and training between 2016 and 2023, focusing on bringing in entry-level workers and teaching them the skills needed for specialized roles. Skilled trades, like carpenters, electricians, and designers, are especially hard to fill. To tackle this, BIW and other defense companies are working closely with local schools to match educational programs with industry needs. While challenges remain, these strategies offer hope for a stronger, more sustainable workforce in Maine’s defense sector.
