How to Get a Job in Aerospace in Utah

Utah's aerospace and defense industry is one of the fastest-growing in the nation, fueled by Hill Air Force Base, a deep defense contracting ecosystem, and a surge of space technology companies in the Salt Lake Valley. If you're looking to break into or advance in this industry, here's what you need to know.

1. Understand the Utah Aerospace Landscape

Utah is home to major defense primes like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Raytheon, as well as emerging players in commercial space. The Ogden/Clearfield corridor near Hill AFB is the epicenter of defense hiring, while Salt Lake City proper hosts a growing number of space tech and aviation companies.

2. Get the Right Certifications

Many Utah aerospace employers require or prefer specific technical certifications. High-value credentials include: FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license, NDT certifications (UT, MT, PT, RT) per NAS 410 or ASNT, DoD security clearance (Secret or Top Secret), Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing, and CompTIA Security+ for IT/cyber roles.

3. Target Your Resume for Defense

Aerospace hiring managers in Utah prioritize candidates who speak their language. Use terminology from job descriptions such as AS9100, MIL-SPEC, ITAR, and DoD compliance. Quantify your experience with metrics when possible.

4. Leverage Utah-Specific Job Boards

General job boards are flooded with unrelated postings. For Utah aerospace and defense roles specifically, use Utah Aerospace Jobs (utahaerospacejobs.com) to find curated listings from employers actively hiring in the state.

5. Network Through Industry Events

Utah has a strong aerospace networking community. Consider attending Utah Aerospace & Defense Association (UADA) events, Hill AFB job fairs, and Salt Lake Chamber aerospace sector meetings.

6. Apply Strategically

Many Utah aerospace positions are never publicly posted. Reach out directly to HR contacts at defense primes, connect on LinkedIn with Utah-based hiring managers, and follow companies on Utah Aerospace Jobs for real-time alerts.

Start Your Search

Browse current aerospace and defense job openings in Utah at utahaerospacejobs.com. New listings are added daily from employers across Ogden, Salt Lake City, Clearfield, Draper, and beyond.