$1 Million Investment in Future Space Explorers

At Lockheed Martin, we're laser-focused on the future. What challenges will our customers face in 10, or even 20, years? What capabilities will a spacecraft need for a 2050 mission to a distant planet? What life-changing discoveries are out there, still waiting to be found? But another important question is at the top of our minds, too: who's going to make all of these things possible?

The question is especially relevant in Colorado where Lockheed Martin Space Systems has major operations. When you combine the state's record low unemployment rate with a rising demand for hard-to-find Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professionals, it's becoming increasingly important for us to grow and develop the next generation of scientists, technicians and engineers by any means possible.

That's why we're partnering with universities around the country to invest in tomorrow's workforce. Just this week, Lockheed Martin provided Metropolitan State University (MSU) Denver with a $1 million grant over four years. This grant will not only pave the way for degrees in important areas of study such as Advanced Manufacturing Sciences and Engineering Technology, but it will also help shape the future of manufacturing affordable and innovative spacecraft.

We have a long history with MSU Denver, and our ongoing partnership reinforces our commitment to the Greater Denver area while demonstrating the importance of developing STEM skills throughout all levels of education. A great example of collaboration is our cooperative (co-op) program with the school. We established and grew this unique program to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, composites, additive manufacturing, electronics, Radio Frequency/antenna and test systems.

This partnership is already having a tangible impact. To date, we've hired 10 students full-time, 10 more co-op students are starting this fall, and we're looking forward to bringing more and more talented professionals on board in the coming years.

One success story in particular is Rubi Solis (pictured above), who is one of six MSU Denver students participating in the co-op program this year. An Electrical Engineering Technology major, Rubi is spending her senior year with us getting hands-on experience with electrical parts for satellites that will soon orbit the earth. Students like Rubi take a slightly decreased course load in lieu of working an intensive internship -- often 20 to 25 hours a week -- on areas such as 3-D printing, electronics, composite development and spacecraft testing.

Lockheed Martin -- and more importantly the rest of the world -- depends on the skills of engineers, scientists and researchers to tackle tomorrow's technological challenges. Ensuring youth have access to STEM learning opportunities, from grade school through college, not only provides plenty of career options for current students, but it also continues the trend of innovating to solve tomorrow's most complex challenges. I have no doubt these students will not only be ready for the future, they will help lead it.

Check out our current opportunities in the Denver, Colorado area.