Defense Firm Bringing 450 High-Wage Jobs to Albuquerque

A Virginia-based defense contractor just committed to creating 450 high-wage jobs in Albuquerque, proving that advanced manufacturing can still thrive in America.

AeroVironment Inc. announced Tuesday it will invest $30 million to expand its manufacturing facilities at the Sandia Science & Technology Park. The company currently employs around 400 people in New Mexico, meaning this expansion will more than double its local workforce over the next 10 years.

The jobs aren't minimum wage positions either. Previous hiring by the company averaged $54.29 per hour, covering everything from welding to electrical engineering to advanced doctorate-level research positions.

New Mexico supported the expansion with $6 million in economic development funding. The state contributed $5 million while the city of Albuquerque added $1 million, with built-in protections requiring the company to meet hiring and infrastructure goals to receive the money.

State officials project the expansion will generate a $670 million economic impact for New Mexico. AeroVironment manufactures advanced radio frequency systems, satellite communications equipment, laser systems, and precision optics at its Albuquerque facilities.

Rob Black, secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, called this "what smart economic development looks like." The approach focuses on attracting companies in advanced energy, computing, space, and defense sectors that create both blue-collar and white-collar career opportunities.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion builds on previous success. When the company operated as BlueHalo before being acquired by AeroVironment in 2024, earlier state investments helped it grow into today's major employer.

That pattern of reinvestment is exactly what New Mexico hoped to achieve. The state now ranks number one in the United States for family income growth, driven largely by creating high-wage jobs above the median income.

New Mexico is leveraging unique advantages to compete with states like California, Colorado, and Arizona. The presence of national laboratories, universities, and research facilities creates a natural corridor for space and defense innovation.

The state sweetens the deal with benefits that got venture capital investors cheering at a recent Los Angeles summit. Workers in New Mexico have access to free childcare and early childhood education, plus free college and skills training programs.

AeroVironment's chief growth officer Church Hutton noted the expansion aligns with federal priorities for defense contractors to invest in domestic facilities and resilient supply chains. As global tensions highlight the importance of domestic manufacturing, New Mexico is positioning itself as a solution.

The company reported $820 million in revenue for fiscal year 2025, up 14% from the previous year. It projects revenues between $1.95 billion and $2 billion for 2026, showing the kind of growth that can sustain good jobs for decades.

Four hundred and fifty families will soon have new opportunities to build careers in advanced manufacturing right in their home state.