To Infinity—and Your Job! Hiring in the Aerospace Sector

Cleared Recruiting Five people engaged in a discussion, seated in a row. From left to right: a man in a blue blazer and glasses gesturing with his hands; a woman in a mustard yellow sleeveless top speaking; a woman in a gray suit with short blonde hair listening attentively; a woman in a patterned top and green cardigan holding a microphone; and a woman with pink-streaked hair in a gray blazer and blue shirt also holding a microphone and gesturing.

The aerospace sector has become one of the most dynamic—and competitive—arenas for hiring cleared professionals. At ClearanceJobs Connect Colorado Springs, panelists from Booz Allen, Capella Space ARKA, and BlueHalo explored the challenges of building and retaining the workforce needed to power both defense and commercial missions.

While aerospace once meant strictly defense and clearance-heavy work, today’s landscape blends government programs with commercial players like SpaceX. This shift has raised new challenges: candidates expect higher salaries, hybrid flexibility, and cutting-edge projects. At the same time, contracts still demand fully adjudicated clearances, creating barriers to entry for early-career talent.

Companies are responding with clearance bonuses, referral pipelines, internal mobility programs, and training opportunities in emerging technologies such as AI, ML, and quantum computing. Yet the message from leaders was clear—selling the mission is critical. From safeguarding warfighters to advancing national security, connecting talent to purpose is what keeps them engaged.

With Colorado Springs growing as both a technology hub and an aerospace powerhouse, the region highlights the unique opportunities—and fierce competition—defining hiring in the sector today.

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Phoebe Wells is the Public Relations & Partnerships Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs and loves every aspect of her role. Creating content and working with the CJ team to connect cleared candidates with employers is incredibly rewarding, as the work ClearanceJobs does ultimately supports the mission of the U.S. As the daughter of a veteran and former cleared worker, she knows the sacrifices security and defense professionals make. She is honored to assist them in leveling up their careers. Plus, she gets to work from home in the Adirondack Mountains with her partner and two huskies!