While Northeast Ohio might not be known for the dramatic spectacle of rocket launches, the
region is a powerhouse in the aerospace industry, boasting a $2.4 billion aerospace cluster, plus
the NASA Glenn Research Center, which includes the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in
Sandusky and Lewis Field in Cleveland. Northeast Ohio’s significant aerospace assets
strengthen aerospace companies, allowing them to contribute significantly to the industry from
this location.
Sierra Lobo, Inc., a Northeast Ohio-based technology company specializing in engineering and
technical services for the space and aerospace sector, has successfully leveraged the region’s
unique strengths to grow its national footprint. The company operates a Cleveland-based
spaceflight facility supporting the SpaceDOC III contract at NASA Glenn Research Center
(GRC), and a robust R&D center in Milan, Ohio, which supports the TFOME II contract at both
GRC and the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky. Through these efforts, Sierra Lobo
delivers spaceflight hardware, testing, and engineering services for suborbital, lunar, and
advanced mission support, while maintaining close collaboration with NASA.
What began as a single NASA contract at Plum Brook Station (now the Armstrong Test Facility)
has expanded into support for nine NASA centers. The company also partners with the
Department of Defense, Department of Energy, U.S. Army, Office of Naval Research, and a
growing roster of commercial spaceflight leaders.
This growth is fueled by Northeast Ohio’s exceptional engineering ecosystem. With more than
11,000 skilled aerospace workers, 1,700 annual engineering graduates, and over 20 regional
engineering campuses, companies like Sierra Lobo can recruit and retain top-tier talent locally.
The company draws from powerhouse institutions such as Case Western Reserve University
and the University of Akron, where programs in aerospace and mechanical engineering prepare
graduates to lead in a fast-changing industry. For aerospace businesses looking to scale,
innovate, and stay close to mission-critical infrastructure, Northeast Ohio offers the talent,
resources, and partnerships needed to thrive.
These talent assets are a primary reason why Northeast Ohio is among the top 3% of U.S.
metro markets with active aerospace businesses. And the region is leaning in to support
aerospace companies with opportunities for workforce development, tax credits, networking,
and collaboration at a time when the industry is projected to grow significantly thanks to the
growth of the Space Force, NASA’s Artemis program, the decommissioning of the International
Space Station, plans for sustained lunar missions, Mars exploration, and more.
Sierra Lobo’s success exemplifies how Northeast Ohio’s strategic advantages, including a
robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment, can
benefit innovative, growth-minded aerospace companies. As Sierra Lobo continues to push the
boundaries of space exploration and support national security, its contributions will shape the
future of the industry, and its success will continue to demonstrate Northeast Ohio’s position as
a key player in the global aerospace landscape.
