Colorado Lands Lockheed Martin Expansion, Reinforcing State’s Aerospace Leadership

DENVER - Aerospace is growing in Colorado after Governor Jared Polis announced hundreds of new jobs coming to Lockheed Martin, a leading global security, defense and aerospace contractor. Lockheed's announcement was shared at the Site Selector Feedback Dinner at the 2026 Site Selection Conference on Oct. 8, saying the company's Space division will expand operations at existing facilities in Douglas County and Jefferson County.

"Colorado is a national leader in aerospace innovation and Lockheed Martin's investment delivers up to 1,250 good-paying jobs for Coloradans over the next four years. Coloradans are building the future of aerospace, and this expansion strengthens our nation-leading aerospace industry and our economy," said Governor Polis.

"Colorado is proud of our nation-leading Aerospace ecosystem. We prioritize education, workforce development and innovation, and our partners across civil, commercial, and national security space turn that into opportunities for Coloradans to build a career and thrive in our state. We are excited by this announcement and to continue to support Lockheed Martin and our Aerospace community," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

Lockheed Martin researches, designs, develops, and manufactures cutting-edge technology systems, products and services. Growing its presence in the state will support the company's delivery of cost-competitive solutions for customers' evolving needs.

"Our growth is a direct reflection of the vibrant ecosystem here in Colorado," said Kate Watts, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Space Strategy & Business Development. "Together, we're building more than systems and satellites. We're building careers, communities and a future where Colorado continues to lead the world in space."

The positions as part of this expansion will include cyber security engineers, software engineers, technicians and administrative services.

"Lockheed Martin is an important part of Colorado's aerospace ecosystem, spurring innovation across the globe and all the way to the moon and back. We are thrilled by Lockheed's decision to grow its operations in Colorado, which is a testament to our state's world-class aerospace ecosystem and highly skilled workforce. This exciting expansion further solidifies Colorado as a global hub for innovation and will help drive long-term economic opportunity for Coloradans," said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

Lockheed Martin makes things people use every day such as weather satellites, communications satellites, and GPS satellites; as well as the Orion program that brought humans to the moon and home, national defense systems and exploration spacecraft, both robotic and human. This project furthers Lockheed Martin's growth in support of customers and enables investment and job creation for the local economy.

"Lockheed Martin's expansion represents a significant investment in Douglas County and reinforces the strength of our aerospace sector. As a primary employer and long standing community partner, Lockheed Martin plays an important role in our economic foundation. At DCEDC, our strategy is focused on strengthening the companies already invested in our community, creating the conditions for them to expand, reinvest and sustain quality jobs over the long term. Lockheed Martin's continued investment is a strong example of that strategy in action and underscores Douglas County's position as a competitive destination for sustained business growth," said Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO, Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

"Lockheed Martin has been an important part of Jefferson County since 1955, and today is our largest primary employer. The company's significant economic impact, high-quality jobs, and continued investment have helped make aerospace one of the county's strongest industries. We are incredibly proud to see Lockheed Martin continue to invest and grow in our community," said Kami Welch, CEO of Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation.

"Lockheed Martin's continued investment in Colorado represents a strong vote of confidence in our state, our highly skilled workforce, and the world-class aerospace and defense ecosystem we have built here. This significant expansion underscores Colorado's ability to compete and succeed on the global stage while strengthening our position as a leading hub for innovation, technology, and national security. We are proud to celebrate this investment and the meaningful opportunities it will create for Colorado workers, families, and communities for years to come," said Raymond H. Gonzales, President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.

In addition to Colorado, Lockheed Martin considered other states for expansion. The company currently has 125,000 employees, more than 12,000 of whom are in Colorado.

About OEDIT's Global Business Development Division
Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state's national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire-and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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