North Carolina is known as the birthplace of aviation, and Charlotte businesses are working to continue innovating in the space through a blend of aerospace and tech talent. The city is home to many notable companies that are on the leading edge of commercial and defense work as well as lesser known organizations that produce essential components for aircraft and space shuttles. The various organizations working in aerospace employ thousands of local individuals and have opportunities across different levels of expertise and experience. Below are some of the top aerospace businesses to consider in Charlotte.
Top Aerospace Companies in Charlotte
- Honeywell
- GE Aerospace
- Northrop Grumman
- Collins Aerospace
- Lucid Bots
- Parker Hannifin
- Magellan Aviation Group
Top Aerospace Companies in Charlotte
Honeywell is one of the largest companies in Charlotte, and it operates an extensive aerospace division. Some of its products include turbine engines, aerial navigation systems and avionics control interfaces. In addition to traditional aviation products, Honeywell also develops solutions like dedicated communications technology for space operations.
Collins Aerospace was founded in 2018 after the merger of Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems. The company is headquartered in Charlotte and develops advanced aerospace solutions. For example, it builds sensors for autonomous aircraft operations and is experimenting with hybrid electric propulsion systems.
Magellan Aviation Group is a global aerospace parts manufacturer and service provider. Headquartered in Charlotte, the company manufactures parts for a variety of air vehicles including commercial narrow-body aircraft and regional jets. Additionally, it inspects jet engines and provides financing solutions to help companies acquire new equipment.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation formed in 1929 after the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss, an aviation pioneer, merged their companies. Today, the company specializes in advanced technical solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. Its products include actuation systems, rotary geared actuators and weapon systems.
Parker Hannifin develops motion and control technologies for the aerospace industry. Founded in 1917, its products range from fuel system components to high-temperature bleed air valves and hydraulic systems. One of its other aerospace focuses is the management of Meggitt, a British aerospace and defense company it acquired in 2021.
Aviation Metals manufactures parts for NASA, Boeing and other aerospace organizations. The company specializes in the distribution of aerospace-grade metal and materials like titanium and nickel alloy that are used for aviation vehicles. Additionally, Aviation Metals offers services like heat treating and custom machining.
Northrop Grumman is an American aerospace and defense company that frequently contracts with the Department of Defense. The company employs over 90,000 individuals and manufactures stealth aircraft, fighter jets and pilotless systems. Besides its aviation work, Northrop Grumman also develops land, space, sea and cyber solutions.
Lucid Bots is a drone startup developing fully autonomous washing systems. Through its Sherpa drones, Lucid Bots provides semi-autonomous systems that can reach and help with cleaning inaccessible exterior areas like high windows and roofs. Lucid Bots’ drones can also be modified to support facility management services.
Aviation Technology Associates provides design and repair services for the aviation industry. For example, the company supports its customers through its various aircraft testing procedures, and it designs new aerospace parts using AutoCAD software.
GE Aerospace is a division of General Electric that focuses on aircraft engines and aviation services. Although not headquartered in Charlotte, the company is investing significantly across the state to bolster local manufacturing facilities and produce jet engines and aerial components for defense and general aviation aircraft.
