The aerospace and aviation sectors are confronting a deepening talent shortage as 2025 closes. Demand for skilled engineers, technicians, and avionics professionals remains high, yet retention and recruitment challenges persist. According to Deloitte (2024), some aerospace and defense (A&D) companies are reporting turnover rates of nearly 13%, well above the national average. With more than one-quarter of the aerospace workforce nearing retirement, the next hiring cycle will test how strategically companies plan for succession and growth. As hiring managers prepare for 2026 projects and candidates look for long-term stability, this issue explores what’s happening now and what both sides can do to stay ahead.

Featured Insight: Why Hiring Now in Aerospace Means More Than Just Filling Seats

While many industries slow hiring in Q4, aerospace rarely does. In fact, segments such as MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) are entering peak planning season. The workforce shortage has shifted from cyclical to structural, and it’s reshaping how the industry thinks about recruiting.

1. Strategic hiring is no longer optional. The U.S. commercial aerospace sector faces a projected shortfall of 123,000 techniciansover the next two decades (AIAA, 2024). This means employers that treat hiring as part of a long-term strategy, investing in pipelines and retention programs, will gain a measurable advantage.

2. The skills mix is evolving rapidly. Aerospace employers are expanding their talent lens to include AI modeling, predictive maintenance, and digital twin systems, blending traditional engineering with data analytics. Research from ArXiv (2023) shows a 34% increase in job postings referencing both “aerospace” and “machine learning.” Candidates with hybrid technical and digital competencies are becoming the industry’s most sought-after hires.

3. Retention depends on growth, not just pay. While compensation matters, so does culture. Companies focusing on career mobility, technical training, and flexible work modelsare seeing retention improvements of up to 15% (Deloitte, 2024). Internal advancement paths, particularly from technician to engineer or analyst roles, are becoming a defining factor in employee satisfaction.

4. For candidates: prioritize mission and adaptability. For professionals, this is a strong moment to reposition. Aerospace firms are seeking not only role-specific experience but also cross-functional agility, engineers who can interpret data, technicians who can manage AI-driven diagnostics, and leaders who can bridge legacy systems with next-gen design. As CorpGuidance emphasizes, “the best candidates tell a story about the future, not just their past work.”

Bottom line: The industry isn’t simply hiring; it’s transforming. Whether you’re a hiring manager looking to build a sustainable team or a candidate ready to elevate your career trajectory, the winners will be those who act strategically, not reactively. CGR remains your trusted partner in navigating this evolving aerospace landscape.

By the Numbers: Quick Stats

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6% from 2024-2034, faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024a).

Aerospace engineering and operations technician jobs are expected to grow 8% over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024b).

The U.S. aerospace and defense workforce now employs over 2.2 million people, representing about 1.4% of total U.S. employment (AIA, 2025).

13% turnover in A&D firms was reported in 2023, excluding retirements (Deloitte, 2024)

Next Steps:

For Employers: Let’s turn today’s hiring challenges into tomorrow’s growth. Schedule a consultation with a CGR recruiting specialist to discuss your 2026 Q1–Q2 staffing strategy.

For Candidates: Looking for your next aviation or aerospace mission? Submit your resume today and we’ll connect you with roles that align with your skills, growth goals, and long-term ambitions.

Sources

The Aerospace and Aviation industries demand precision, leadership, and trust—especially when it comes to building great teams. At CorpGuidance Recruiting, we help companies meet that challenge head-on. Contact Us today to see how we can help.