THE EPICENTER FOR AEROSPACE
From advanced air mobility and autonomous systems to next-generation defense, Maryland powers the future of flight, space exploration, and national security—driven by exceptional talent, cutting-edge research, and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
A MAGNET FOR TALENT
Maryland offers access to one of the nation’s highest concentrations of aerospace engineers, fueling a powerful ecosystem of private companies, federal agencies, and military installations. With a steady stream of graduates from leading aerospace programs, the state maintains a continually refreshed pipeline of top-tier talent.
#1
Concentration of aerospace engineers nationally
(California-Lexington Park, MD)
Top 15
Graduate aerospace engineering engineering program in the U.S.
(University of Maryland)
R&D at The Ready
#6
Undergraduate engineering program in the U.S.
(U.S. Naval Academy)
#1
Largest organization of earth and space scientists and engineers in the U.S. (NASA Goddard)
Maryland’s aerospace ecosystem unites academia, industry, and government to fuel breakthrough innovation. Companies benefit from next-door access to leading Department of Defense and NASA research centers, while the University of Maryland’s world-class facilities, like the UAS Research & Operations Center, are advancing the future of uncrewed systems.
#1
Federal Tech Transfer Facilities
#2 Federal Obligations for R&D
30+ Airports
20+
Military Installations
(including Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, Andrews AFB)
Leading Research Institutions Industry Leaders
Tap into Maryland’s powerhouse research institutions, military facilities fueling aerospace innovation, and unmatched access to NASA.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Drives aerospace innovation, from space exploration to national defense.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Operates NASA’s Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, enabling groundbreaking research and discoveries.
NASA Goddard
Designs, builds, and operates spacecraft and instruments, ans is only 20 miles NASA HQ in D.C.
NAVAIR
Develops, tests, and sustains advanced naval aviation technologies, for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Maryland is home to a dense concentration of aerospace companies, from global industry leaders to innovative startups. This ecosystem creates unmatched opportunities for collaboration, research, and innovation in areas like space exploration, defense, and advanced aviation.
Genesis Engineering
Provides end-to-end aerospace solutions for NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial space missions.
North American Wave Engine Corp
Developed a “wave engine” (no moving parts) for aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Lockheed Martin Drives innovation through advanced R&D and production. Maryland-based for more than 30 years.
RocketLab
Advances satellite design, manufacturing, and mission operations to support government and commercial space missions.
Textron Systems
Develops and supports advanced uncrewed aircraft, maritime systems, and defense tech that strengthens U.S. military capabilities.
ECOSYSTEM
Digitally Explore Maryland’s Aerospace Ecosystem
Scan here or visit business.maryland.gov/aeromap to see the companies and institutions that call Maryland home.
ST. MARY’S
QUEEN ANNE’S
TALBOT
CAROLINE
DORCHESTER
WICOMICO
BALTIMORE
EXCELLENCE IN POSITIONING, NAVIGATION & TIMING
Maryland is shaping the future of aerospace with advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies – driving innovations from satellite alignment and secure communications to autonomous flight. Backed by world-class federal and academic facilities, Maryland’s strong research and defense infrastructure, coupled with bold investments in quantum technology, is powering assured precision and next-generation flight.
FIND YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE
Maryland is a launchpad for growth. Here, benefit from close connections to federal agencies, military installations, and test sites that are eager to collaborate and validate new technologies. With a dense network of primes, small businesses can plug into a thriving supply chain, tap into specialized talent, and accelerate innovation from concept to deployment.
Programs that Power Innovation
Maryland is investing in companies that will help secure our position as the Epicenter of Aerospace. Some programs include:
Build our Future Grant: Up to $2 million for projects that accelerate growth in technology sectors.
R&D Tax Credit: Up to $250,000 based on eligible R&D spending.
Job Creation Tax Credit: Up to $5,000 per new job.
TEDCO: State-backed funding for early-stage investment.
RISE Zone Rental Assistance: Provides financial rental assistance.
Global Gateway: Provides $10,000 grants to help foreign companies that soft land in the U.S.
Employer Security Clearance Cost Tax Credit: Up to $200,000 for qualified security clearance administrative expenses.
Workforce Training Grants: Matching grant funds to reimburse up to 50% of a qualified project.
Advantage Maryland: Up to $5,000 for each net new job accompanied by significant private capital investment.
LET’S LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE
Colter Menke, Aerospace Program Manager
Maryland Department of Commerce colter.menke@maryland.gov | 443.388.1169 business.maryland.gov/aerospace
