Indiana’s aerospace manufacturing industry may not be the largest among the state’s manufacturing subsectors, but it is among the most advanced—outpacing national industry productivity averages by 10% and leading the state in percentage of tech-enabled roles.
With just under 7,400 workers today, the aerospace manufacturing sector represents a small yet impactful share of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing economy. And it is poised for continued growth. From a $2.6 billion U.S. Air Force engine contract awarded to Rolls-Royce to the development of aerospace clusters near Purdue University and the Crane Naval Base, Indiana is building on a longstanding legacy of aviation excellence while embracing a future defined by innovation and defense modernization.
A Tech-Enabled Trajectory
According to Conexus Indiana’s latest study, Future Ready: Advancing Indiana’s Productivity through Critical Manufacturing Subsectors, the aerospace manufacturing sector stands out with the highest share of tech-enabled roles—37% of its workforce—far exceeding the statewide manufacturing average of just 8%. These roles are essential to powering digital aviation systems, advanced propulsion technologies and smart manufacturing operations.
However, workforce availability remains a critical challenge. As aerospace manufacturers expand, demand is increasing for specialized, high-skill talent, particularly in engineering and cybersecurity.
Critical Roles for the Future
The Future Ready analysis identifies a number of “most critical” occupations that are central to the sector’s continued advancement:
- Software, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineers
- Modeling and simulation specialists
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Information systems security officers
Foundational roles for the subsector, such as aircraft technicians, machinists and quality inspectors, also remain critical, underscoring the dual need for both skilled production workers and digitally fluent engineers.
Strategic Momentum
Several recent developments further reinforce Indiana’s growing strength in aerospace:
- Rolls-Royce’s defense manufacturing operation in Indianapolis is producing more than 600 engines for the B-52 bomber program
- GE Aerospace’s Lafayette plant is part of a billion-dollar modernization initiative
- Saab is manufacturing components for advanced jet trainers in West Lafayette under a $101 million contract
- L3Harris Technologies and BAE Systems are securing major Department of Defense contracts in Fort Wayne
These developments, combined with a strong talent pipeline from Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the University of Notre Dame and more, create a robust ecosystem for continued subsector growth in Indiana.
The Opportunity
Indiana’s aerospace manufacturing sector demonstrates that industry leadership is not solely about scale, but also about strategy, specialization and collaboration. To remain competitive, employers must continue to invest in talent development, from cybersecurity-focused training programs to real-world work-based learning experiences that prepare students for future-ready roles.
View the full Future Ready report to explore the data, trends and workforce strategies shaping Indiana’s aerospace manufacturing sector and how your organization can be part of this momentum.