The Latest with Aerospace and Defense Hiring

By 2025, AI and autonomous systems will become a factor that the aerospace and defense industry will grow reliant on. Approximately 81% of Deloitte’s survey respondents from the aerospace and defense industry state they are already using or planning to AI and machine learning technology. AI-driven predictive measures and automation are streamlining aircraft operations, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. These developments will ensure success for both commercial and military aircrafts. In the defense sector, AI will power various drones and combat systems, taking care of missions such as surveillance, patrol, and combat.  

As the connection to digital technology grows stronger, cybersecurity will play a bigger role. The rise of cyber warfare and hybrid threats, as well as the increase in unmanned and digitally run systems, has made cybersecurity a top priority to enhance protection over operations, aircraft data, and national security. As a result, hiring trends in 2025 will focus on attracting experts in AI development, data analytics, cybersecurity engineering, and robotics to support these advancements and security.  

The rapid advancement of hypersonic and next-generation aerospace technology is driving significant hiring trends in 2025. Hypersonic technology is the development of vehicles that can travel at a faster speed of Mach 5 or higher. It can revolutionize military capabilities, developing faster missiles and aircraft for both defensive and offensive strategies. This technology is a priority for defense contractors and government agencies, resulting in an increase in research and development. The U.S. government has already set aside $163.4 million in its fiscal 2025 budget specifically for hypersonic research and development. Along with the United States, countries like China and Russia are investing heavily in hypersonic missiles and technology.  

Beyond defense, hypersonic technology will make its way to the commercial airline industry by ramping up passenger jets and reducing flight times for trips that generally take half a day to just a few hours. These prototypes are expected to surface in 2025, creating opportunities for software developers, data analysts, and experts in hypersonic technology and production to be in high demand and assist the aerospace and defense efforts in innovation.  

As the state of the environment becomes a growing concern, industries have begun increasing their production of environmentally friendly products. This has also been on a continuing upward trend with both government action and consumer demand for sustainable travel options. In 2025, we can see the aerospace industry making sustainability a bigger priority, introducing the development of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Companies are also investing in alternative propulsion systems to reduce carbon emissions, which include hydrogen-powered engines and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). In fact, Boeing is hoping to deliver commercial aircrafts that run 100% on SAFs by 2030. 

As companies prioritize green aviation, there is an increasing demand for engineers specializing in battery technology, hydrogen fuel systems, and sustainable materials. Professionals with expertise in sustainable engineering and alternative energy will be highly sought.  

The aerospace and defense industry will undergo a major transformation in 2025, driven by advancements in AI, cybersecurity, hypersonic technology, and sustainability. As companies invest in these cutting-edge measures, the demand for skilled professionals in engineering, data science, and cybersecurity will continue to rise.