Sierra Nevada Corporation is a major aerospace and defense contractor founded way back in 1963. Its headquarters sit in Sparks, Nevada.
Fatih and Eren Ozmen run the company. They’ve kept it privately owned while serving both government and commercial clients at 36 locations.
Sierra Nevada Corporation started out as a small electronics shop in Nevada in 1963. Over the last sixty years, it’s grown into a serious player in aerospace and defense.
SNC focuses on aircraft modification, systems integration, and space technologies. It works in defense, aerospace, and commercial spaceflight.
Primary Business Areas:
The company works with NASA, the Defense Department, and private spaceflight companies. SNC has built a reputation as a fast-moving systems integrator.
They reported annual revenue of $1.9 billion and employ over 5,300 people across the U.S. SNC is also pretty active in the commercial crew program and space tech development.
Fatih Ozmen and Eren Ozmen lead Sierra Nevada Corporation as the founding executives. This husband-and-wife duo turned a small electronics firm into a major aerospace contractor.
After acquiring the company, the Ozmens transformed SNC into one of the largest woman-owned federal contractors in the U.S. They focus on pushing innovation and advancing technology across the aerospace sector.
Under their leadership, SNC expanded into space systems and commercial crew vehicle programs. The leadership team puts a lot of emphasis on employee growth and a culture that values customer satisfaction.
The Ozmen Foundation, run by the company, supports community and educational initiatives. That reflects the founders’ commitment to making an impact beyond aerospace.
Sierra Nevada Corporation is a privately held company based in Nevada. It doesn’t trade on the stock market.
SNC has two main business divisions. The ISR, Aviation & Security division handles aircraft systems and cybersecurity.
Mission Solutions & Technologies focuses on electronic systems and space tech. Both divisions work together to deliver integrated solutions for complex needs.
Geographic Presence:
The company keeps up with quality certifications and processes that meet government standards. SNC has made several acquisitions and partnerships to expand its reach.
Sierra Nevada Corporation operates through two main divisions. They deliver advanced technology for aerospace and defense.
These business areas combine years of engineering experience with new ideas. SNC serves military, government, and commercial clients worldwide.
SNC’s aerospace division works on spacecraft, satellite systems, and commercial space technologies. The Dream Chaser spaceplane program really put them on the map—it’s a new kind of reusable spacecraft for cargo missions to the International Space Station.
The aerospace team builds mission-critical systems for NASA and commercial partners. Their work covers spacecraft design, propulsion, and orbital mechanics.
SNC engineers handle both crewed and uncrewed vehicles. They’re helping expand America’s commercial space capabilities.
Key aerospace technologies:
The division runs specialized facilities for spacecraft assembly and testing. These support both government contracts and commercial space ventures.
The defense division delivers intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for the military. SNC modifies aircraft, develops electronic warfare systems, and builds secure communications platforms for the Department of Defense.
Defense engineers create advanced sensor systems and data processing tools. They integrate electronics into military platforms while sticking to strict security protocols.
Their work includes modernizing old aircraft and inventing new defensive tech.
Primary defense capabilities:
The defense team maintains security clearances for sensitive projects. They work closely with military branches to deliver solutions that work in tough environments.
Sierra Nevada Corporation delivers vital capabilities that protect U.S. interests. They build advanced surveillance systems and electronic warfare tech for military and intelligence operations.
SNC develops intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for real-time battlefield awareness. Their ISR platforms combine several sensors to collect and process information from hostile areas.
The company’s manned and unmanned aircraft carry advanced imaging systems. These aircraft can fly in contested airspace and send high-res data back to command.
SNC’s MC-12W Liberty aircraft is a good example of their ISR work. This twin-engine turboprop carries sensors for intelligence missions. It supports ground forces with continuous surveillance.
Their systems process huge amounts of data automatically. Machine learning algorithms pick out threats and highlight important info for analysts. That way, analysts get actionable insights faster.
SNC builds electronic warfare systems that control the electromagnetic spectrum during military operations. These tools can jam enemy communications and keep friendly forces safe from electronic attacks.
The company creates electronic countermeasures that disrupt enemy radar and comms. Their equipment finds threat frequencies and deploys targeted jamming signals. This stops enemies from coordinating or tracking U.S. aircraft.
SNC’s spectrum management tools protect military communications, too. Their systems create secure channels that block interference. Advanced encryption and frequency-hopping keep contact reliable.
Their electronic warfare pods fit on different aircraft. These modular systems adapt to changing missions and threats. The pods offer both defensive and offensive electronic attack capabilities.
Sierra Nevada Corporation runs several big programs in aerospace innovation and defense tech. Their Multi-Intelligence Sensor Development contract with the U.S. Navy is a major defense project. Their work on survivable airborne operations centers shows off their aerospace integration skills.
SNC has become a leader in aerospace integration through big contracts and new tech. The survivable airborne operations center (SAOC) program with the U.S. Air Force marks a big step forward.
Their aircraft integration teams respond quickly to changing operational needs. SNC uses Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) expertise for nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) missions.
SNC operates from Sparks, Nevada and Englewood, Colorado. These serve as main integration hubs for aerospace projects. They also have 36 locations worldwide for various initiatives.
The A-29C aircraft support program highlights SNC’s aerospace services. Under a $13 million contract, they handle fleet support, training equipment maintenance, and mission planning at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Multi-Intelligence Sensor Development (MISD) suite is SNC’s largest defense contract—$716.8 million over five years. This U.S. Navy program focuses on sensor tasking and data management for both manned and unmanned aircraft.
MISD components support key intelligence operations on multiple platforms. The program follows modular open systems approach (MOSA) standards and exportability requirements. SNC provides high-band sensor components that can be used globally.
The company delivers sensor integration and advanced processing systems. Their tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination capabilities meet rapid situational awareness needs.
SNC’s defense portfolio includes electronic warfare and command and control tech. Decades of sensor development experience back up these initiatives. Their systems support the Department of Defense and international partners worldwide.
Sierra Nevada Corporation’s engineering teams drive new solutions through collaborative design processes and flexible architectures. These engineers build cutting-edge aerospace tech while keeping development open and adaptable.
Engineers at SNC tackle tough aerospace challenges across different fields. They work on aircraft modifications, spacecraft systems, and defense tech that demand precision.
The engineering teams specialize in post-production aircraft modifications. They turn standard commercial and military planes into specialized mission platforms.
These engineers upgrade everything from C-130Js to intelligence and surveillance aircraft. They collaborate with customers to understand specific needs, creating custom solutions instead of just off-the-shelf products.
The process involves analyzing current aircraft systems and integrating new tech. SNC’s engineers bring decades of experience. They know the technical and operational demands of aerospace work.
Sierra Nevada Corporation uses open architecture in its designs. This creates flexible platforms that adapt to new tech and mission needs.
Open architecture lets different components work together easily. Engineers design interfaces that follow industry standards, not proprietary ones. That makes upgrades and integration simpler.
The focus is on modularity and interoperability. Engineers build systems where you can swap out parts without redesigning the whole thing. This saves customers time and money.
Open architecture speeds up innovation cycles. With standardized interfaces, engineers can boost performance without worrying about compatibility. This keeps SNC ahead in fast-changing aerospace and defense markets.
Sierra Nevada Corporation operates where commercial innovation meets defense needs. The company expands access to space tech by bridging traditional aerospace boundaries and supporting the wider industrial ecosystem.
SNC positions itself between commercial space ventures and traditional defense contractors. This lets them bring commercial speed and innovation to government programs while meeting defense reliability standards.
The company invests its own money to develop tech before securing government contracts. That approach lowers risk for federal agencies and speeds up development. SNC’s private ownership allows fast decisions without the red tape of bigger contractors.
SNC competes directly with established aerospace giants on major programs. They’ve won big contracts by showing that smaller, agile companies can deliver complex systems. That’s pretty refreshing, isn’t it? It challenges the idea that only huge traditional contractors can handle sophisticated defense projects.
When non-traditional contractors like SNC jump in, government agencies suddenly have more suppliers to choose from. This shift sparks competition, which tends to boost innovation and can help cut costs—definitely better than sticking with only the usual big providers.
SNC shows that the aerospace industrial base isn’t just about the old-school primes. Their success nudges other mid-tier companies to go after major government programs too.
With more players joining in, the defense industrial ecosystem grows stronger.
Privately-owned companies like SNC have proven they can compete in aerospace, even though big, publicly-traded corporations have dominated for years. SNC doesn’t have to worry about quarterly shareholder demands, so they can focus on long-term tech investments and bigger-picture planning.
Sierra Nevada Corporation has built up its aerospace presence by snapping up companies that expand its space tech capabilities. Their acquisition game zeroes in on firms that fit with the Dream Chaser spacecraft and the broader space systems lineup.
SNC actively seeks acquisitions that give it an edge in commercial spaceflight and space tourism. They look for proven tech in propulsion systems, life support equipment, and spacecraft subsystems.
ORBITEC is a perfect example of this strategy in action. SNC acquired Orbital Technologies Corporation to get their hands on advanced propulsion and life support systems.
ORBITEC brought serious experience in liquid rocket propulsion and Environmental Control Life Support Subsystems (ECLSS).
After the acquisition, SNC got access to green space propulsion options, including hybrid solid/liquid and bipropellant liquid rocket motors. ORBITEC’s tech now powers the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s Reaction Control Subsystem.
Fire suppression and thermal management also came with ORBITEC. These are crucial for keeping crews safe in space. Now, SNC can offer complete spacecraft environmental systems to commercial space tourism operators.
SNC runs a network of specialized subsidiaries spread across 31 locations in 17 states. Each one focuses on different aerospace technologies, all feeding into the company’s space tourism and commercial spaceflight goals.
ORBITEC still operates out of Madison, Wisconsin as part of SNC. They keep up their research and development work while supporting Space Systems operations in Louisville, Colorado.
Since joining SNC, the Wisconsin team has grown by more than 30 high-tech jobs.
Other subsidiaries specialize in spacecraft subsystems and components. These teams build gimbal mechanisms, power subsystems, solar array drives, and release mechanisms. They also handle flight control actuators and integrated solar panel assemblies.
SNC’s acquisition style keeps subsidiaries independent but still brings their technologies together. This setup lets the experts keep innovating while feeding into big projects like Dream Chaser.
Fatih and Eren Ozmen, a husband-and-wife team, turned SNC from a small engineering shop into a multi-billion-dollar force in aerospace. Their leadership pushed the company into commercial spaceflight and put SNC on the map in space tourism.
Fatih Ozmen came aboard SNC in 1981 as an engineer, fresh from earning his Master’s in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. He brought technical know-how to SNC’s early projects.
As CEO, Ozmen leads on strategy and customer relationships. His engineering roots shape how SNC tackles tough aerospace problems. He’s all about fast innovation but doesn’t let quality slip.
Under his guidance, SNC rolled out the Dream Chaser spacecraft. This reusable craft snagged NASA contracts for cargo missions to the ISS. Its runway landing ability could make it a solid choice for future space tourism.
Ozmen’s knack for solving problems helped SNC pull off 19 acquisitions in four countries. He managed to keep the company nimble, even as it grew into a big player with government contracts.
Eren Ozmen joined SNC in 1988 after earning her MBA at the University of Nevada, Reno. She became President in 1994 when she and Fatih bought the company.
Her strategic vision turned SNC into the leading woman-owned federal contractor in the U.S. Ozmen’s financial skills fueled SNC’s aggressive growth through high-tech acquisitions.
She’s a strong advocate for family-friendly policies and work-life balance. That’s helped SNC attract top talent in a tough industry.
Ozmen’s vision goes beyond just government contracts. She backs efforts to make space more reachable for civilians, using advanced spacecraft and new mission ideas.
SNC operates from more than 36 locations across the U.S., with its main headquarters in Sparks, Nevada. They’ve recently gone international, opening an office in Nigeria and building a growing global footprint in aerospace and defense.
SNC’s corporate headquarters is at 444 Salomon Circle in Sparks, Nevada. This is the company’s command center for aerospace and defense.
They also have two main business area headquarters in the U.S. The ISR, Aviation & Security division runs out of Englewood, Colorado, while the Mission Solutions & Technologies division is based in Herndon, Virginia.
SNC has a strong presence in Colorado and Florida. Colorado hosts four facilities, including the main Rocky Mountain Campus and sites in Colorado Springs and Englewood. Florida operations focus on military support, with locations at Duke Field, Hurlburt Field AFB, Jacksonville, and Fort Walton Beach.
The company operates in 20 states, from California to North Carolina. Notable spots include Wichita, Kansas; Dayton, Ohio; and several cities in Texas like Houston, San Antonio, Plano, and Greenville.
SNC opened its first African office in Abuja, Nigeria, in June 2022. They partnered with AVISTAR Consulting to get started and strengthen their African operations.
This Nigeria location shows SNC’s commitment to expanding outside the U.S.. It puts the company in a good spot to serve African aerospace and security markets.
SNC also runs Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK as part of its international expansion. This UK division delivers aerospace and defense capabilities to European clients.
SNC’s global growth really highlights how it’s gone from a small startup to a multi-billion dollar global leader. Their expansion supports the mission to provide connected protection systems in every operational domain worldwide.
SNC puts a lot of effort into developing talent at every level and celebrates employees through recognition programs. They really push continuous learning and career growth for their diverse workforce.
SNC invests in employee growth with education and training. Employees can get up to $7,500 a year for tuition if they’re working toward relevant degrees. Graduates even receive bonuses to mark their achievement.
The company encourages staff to earn certifications and attend conferences to stay sharp with the latest aerospace tech. This helps make sure everyone’s ready for critical missions.
Early-career professionals can join special programs like BOLD (Building Organizational Leadership Development), which acts as a leadership accelerator for engineers. It offers leadership training and networking with execs.
SNC also offers internships across corporate and technical teams. These help students and new grads build both leadership and technical skills in aerospace.
Career pathing and coaching are available at every stage. Mentoring programs give employees a chance to reach their full potential through guided professional growth.
The company regularly hosts appreciation events in summer and during holidays. These gatherings recognize the dedication required for supporting explorers and critical missions.
SNC stands out for supporting veterans, women, and minorities in both training and leadership development. This inclusive approach opens doors for advancement across all backgrounds.
Employee satisfaction scores stay high, especially for pay, benefits, and teamwork. Workers also give strong marks to company leadership and overall workplace happiness.
A mission-focused management style helps create an environment where decisive leadership supports customer goals. This reputation makes SNC a sought-after workplace in aerospace.
Recognition isn’t just about big events—SNC keeps investing in professional development to show employees they’re valued.
SNC grows its aerospace capabilities by teaming up with major defense contractors and building deep relationships in America’s defense industrial base. They’re all about multi-domain technology alliances.
SNC has built high-profile partnerships that boost its standing in aerospace. They recently teamed up with AeroVironment to develop the Golden Dome for America air defense system.
This partnership combines SNC’s systems integration skills with AeroVironment’s defense tech. Together, they’re working on layered defense systems to protect critical infrastructure from aerial threats.
Leonardo Partnership Expansion
SNC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Leonardo UK Ltd. and Leonardo Electronics US Inc. This collaboration targets global defense markets by combining technical know-how from both sides.
The partnership gives SNC access to Leonardo’s European defense networks, while Leonardo benefits from SNC’s U.S. market reach. Both can tap into each other’s expertise for complex defense projects.
Space Industry Collaborations
SNC works closely with giants like Lockheed Martin on projects like the Dream Chaser spaceplane. These partnerships open doors to advanced suppliers and manufacturing.
They also maintain ties with international partners like Embraer to grow their global reach and capabilities.
SNC acts as a key mid-tier contractor in America’s defense industrial base. Their private ownership means they can invest quickly in new tech and adapt fast to changing defense needs.
Their integration covers sea, land, air, space, and cyber. SNC bridges the gap between traditional defense contractors and new tech providers.
Industrial Base Positioning
Being one of the few privately-owned, mid-tier aerospace and defense contractors gives SNC flexibility in partnerships and tech investments. They work with both big defense primes and innovative startups.
With 40+ locations worldwide, SNC supports defense manufacturing across regions. Their team includes cybersecurity experts, engineers, and integration specialists.
Multi-Domain Capabilities
SNC’s integration stretches across command, control, and communications systems. They provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, plus solutions for electromagnetic spectrum management.
These skills let SNC act as a systems integrator—coordinating complex, multi-vendor defense programs while keeping up with security and compliance.
People usually want to know about SNC’s job openings, financial health, products, global reach, and how they approach responsible business. SNC works as a major defense and space contractor, headquartered in Sparks, Nevada, and serves customers across a bunch of sectors.
You can usually catch Sierra Nevada Corporation’s latest updates right on their official website at sncorp.com. They post press releases about new contracts, product launches, and tech breakthroughs.
Industry outlets like Aviation Week, Defense News, and SpaceNews often dig into SNC’s aerospace projects. These sources give pretty detailed takes on the Dream Chaser spacecraft and other space efforts.
SNC keeps their social media channels active, sharing news about their aerospace and defense programs. If you’re curious about government contracts, sites like FedBizOpps list new awards and sometimes hint at what’s coming next.
You’ll find current job openings on SNC’s careers page at sncorp.com/careers. They employ over 3,800 people in engineering, manufacturing, and support roles.
You can also spot SNC positions on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. They’re often looking for aerospace engineers, software developers, program managers, and manufacturing techs.
SNC shows up at university career fairs and aerospace industry events. They run internship programs for students studying engineering or technical fields.
Since Sierra Nevada Corporation is privately held, they don’t publish detailed financial statements. Based on industry data, their revenue sits around $1.9 billion.
Sites like ZoomInfo and Dun & Bradstreet offer some basic financial info about SNC. These platforms pull together revenue estimates and employee numbers from different sources.
You can check government contract databases for the value of federal awards SNC gets. USAspending.gov tracks defense and space contracts, which make up a big part of their business.
Sierra Nevada Corporation runs two main business areas. ISR, Aviation & Security handles manned and unmanned aircraft systems, cybersecurity, and aircraft upgrades.
Mission Solutions & Technologies covers C4ISR systems, electronic warfare, navigation, and data management. They work with both defense and commercial clients.
Their most well-known project is probably the Dream Chaser spacecraft for NASA cargo missions to the International Space Station. SNC also builds aircraft mods, satellite systems, and specialized defense electronics.
SNC’s headquarters sit at 444 Salomon Circle in Sparks, Nevada. This spot acts as the main hub for corporate operations and several big programs.
They run multiple facilities across the U.S. to support different business areas. Manufacturing and testing sites are close to major customers and suppliers.
SNC keeps facilities in states with strong aerospace and defense industries. These locations help meet program needs and tap into skilled technical talent.
Sierra Nevada Corporation gets involved in community initiatives through the Ozmen Foundation and by making corporate donations.
They also encourage employees to volunteer, hoping to spark positive change both locally and around the world.
SNC works on developing technologies that help national security and space exploration missions.
Their spacecraft and defense systems push scientific advancement and make exploration possible.
The company puts a lot of emphasis on quality processes and always looks for ways to improve how they operate.
By doing this, they aim to deliver cost-effective solutions without sacrificing high performance standards for their customers.
