If there’s one thing happening in aerospace and horizontal manufacturing right now, it’s that the industry is experiencing some serious turbulence when it comes to hiring. For executives, HR teams, hiring managers, and job candidates, it helps to know what’s driving the shift in aerospace hiring. 

As a veteran talent recruiter specializing in this industry, I live near Connecticut’s very own Aerospace Alley, an area with more than 250 aerospace and defense manufacturing firms that support nearly 50,000 jobs. I’m fortunate to be close to the action and see firsthand just how important this industry is to our local economy and far beyond. 

From advanced manufacturing to aerospace and defense innovation, there’s plenty happening 

Finding the right people to keep it all moving is becoming a bigger challenge. Between an aging workforce, a labor shortage, and skyrocketing fuel prices putting pressure on the industry, there’s a lot to navigate for employers, hiring managers, and job seekers. 

1. The retirement wave is real 

A large number of experienced professionals in aerospace and manufacturing are approaching retirement age. And while retirement is certainly well-earned, it creates significant knowledge and skills gaps for today’s companies. Years of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and industry know-how don’t walk out the door easily.  

Companies need to start thinking about succession planning, knowledge transfer, and bringing in the next generation of talent before mission critical seats become empty.  

2. The labor shortage isn’t going anywhere 

Finding qualified, experienced talent in many areas of aerospace and manufacturing is especially challenging. Skilled machinists, engineers, quality professionals, technicians, and manufacturing leaders are in demand. The reality? There aren’t always enough qualified candidates to go around.  

Companies that are winning in talent acquisition are those that move quickly through the interview and hiring process, offer competitive compensation, and create a positive candidate experience. These hiring practices give employers a serious advantage in the workforce. 

3. Rising fuel prices are adding pressure 

Rising fuel prices are another factor creating challenges for aerospace and manufacturing companies. Higher operating and transportation costs are putting additional pressure on budgets, margins, and hiring plans. And ultimately, for job candidates, all of this means that compensation, benefits, commute times, and workplace flexibility may play a much bigger role when evaluating new job opportunities.  

4. Aerospace corporations need a more creative talent acquisition strategy (look beyond the resume)

The aerospace and manufacturing industry is evolving, and hiring strategies need to evolve right along with them. With fewer available candidates for critical aerospace jobs and more competition for skilled professionals, companies can’t afford to rely on the same old recruiting strategies. 

For example, proactive companies are looking beyond traditional talent pools, considering transferable skills, investing in training, and exploring ways to attract candidates from adjacent industries. They are finding that while some candidates may not have the exact job titles they are seeking – many candidates do possess all the skills and experience needed to succeed in their companies. It’s important to look beyond the resume, invite qualified individuals into the interview process, and ask the right questions to uncover their demonstrated skill sets and accomplishments. 

5. Hiring speed and candidate experience matter more than ever 

In a competitive hiring market, great candidates for key aerospace jobs don’t stay on the market for long. Lengthy interview processes, slow follow-up feedback, and unclear expectations can cost companies their top choices. 

Executives, HR teams, and hiring managers need to streamline their processes, communicate consistently with candidates, and make decisions with confidence. On the flip side, candidates should be prepared, proactive, and ready to showcase what makes them stand out from other job seekers. 

Get fast access to top talent for direct hire and leading job opportunities 

Whether you’re a company looking for specialized talent, or a professional ready to take the next step in your aerospace career, having the right recruiting partner can make all the difference in landing the best candidates and top aerospace jobs. 

Reach out to me for expert assistance with your aerospace and manufacturing talent recruiting needs or your job search. My name is Katherine Clark, and I am a Senior Recruiting Partner with Goodwin Recruiting. 

In addition to sourcing experienced aerospace and manufacturing executives and senior-level professionals, here are some of the top jobs we fill in the industry: 

• Aerospace Engineers  

• Technical Leadership Roles 

• Senior Cloud Systems Administrators 

• Senior Applications Engineers 

• Structural Engineers 

• Software Engineers 

• Systems Engineers 

• Propulsion Engineers 

• Product Engineers 

• Computer Systems Engineers 

• Manufacturing Engineers  

• Positions in Defense Manufacturing 

• Quality Engineers  

• Mechanical Engineers  

• Aircraft Assemblers  

• Welders  

• Electronics Technicians 

• Maintenance Technicians  

• Field Service Technicians