SmartLab is expanding its commitment to supporting veterans by deepening its partnerships with the Hiring Our Heroes initiative and the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. These efforts are designed to help service members transition smoothly into civilian careers by offering hands-on experience in high-tech and manufacturing environments. SmartLab’s involvement provides not only mentorship but also real job opportunities in fields like digital engineering, additive manufacturing, and advanced prototyping.
By aligning with these veteran-focused programs, SmartLab is addressing two critical needs: closing the talent gap in tech-driven defense sectors and supporting veterans with meaningful career paths. The move reflects a growing recognition across the industry that veterans bring unique skills and discipline that are highly valuable in defense innovation and production. It’s a win-win approach that enhances workforce readiness while honoring the service of military personnel.
Layoffs: Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is set to cut around 160 jobs at its facility in Cedar Rapids, IA, in a move the company attributes to shifting business needs. The layoffs, expected to take effect by the end of the summer, represent a significant reduction in the workforce at one of the company’s key locations. Collins, a major player in avionics and mission systems, is part of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), and the decision comes as part of a broader realignment to focus on evolving priorities and efficiency across its operations.
While the company hasn’t disclosed specific programs or departments affected, the announcement has raised concerns among employees and local officials about the impact on the regional economy. This development is also part of a larger pattern of restructuring in the aerospace and defense sector, where companies are navigating supply chain pressures, budget shifts, and changing defense strategies. As Collins Aerospace adjusts its footprint, attention is turning to how these changes will affect ongoing projects and long-term workforce stability.
Hiring: Kratos
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is making a major investment in Oklahoma’s aerospace industry with the announcement of a new advanced propulsion manufacturing facility in Bristow. The company plans to repurpose a former aircraft manufacturing site into a hub for producing turbine engines and other propulsion systems, aimed primarily at supporting tactical drone programs. This move reflects the growing demand for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the need for secure, domestic production capabilities as the U.S. military continues to prioritize drone technology in its strategic planning.
The facility, which will include manufacturing, assembly, and testing operations, is set to bolster Kratos’ ability to scale production quickly while keeping its supply chain close to home. With operations expected to begin in 2025, the site is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs and strengthen Oklahoma’s position in the defense industrial base. This expansion underscores a broader trend in the U.S. defense sector to regionalize and modernize manufacturing infrastructure, especially for systems that are increasingly critical in contested environments.
Cleared Employer at Work: Amentum
At Amentum, you’ll power critical missions around the globe—from cyber to counterintelligence. With a reputation for innovation, global impact, and a strong mission-first culture, Amentum offers careers that matter. Join a team where your skills directly support national security and global stability.
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SIMS Software has reached a key cybersecurity milestone by earning Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2. This certification signals that the company meets the Department of Defense’s enhanced requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across its systems. As the defense sector tightens security expectations for contractors, achieving CMMC Level 2 puts SIMS in a strong position to continue supporting classified programs and sensitive defense operations.
This accomplishment not only demonstrates SIMS Software’s commitment to cybersecurity but also aligns with the growing emphasis on supply chain integrity and data protection in national security. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the DoD is pushing harder for its contractors to meet rigorous standards, and SIMS’ certification shows it’s ready to meet that challenge head-on.
