Buoyed by strong business prospects, Normandy’s aerospace, space, defence and security sector continues to grow. This momentum is translating into significant demand for skills, with 2,500 recruits per year expected from now until at least 2030.
A sector gaining momentum
With strong order books, major contractors ramping up production and defence activities expanding, prospects remain positive for industrial companies across Normandy’s aerospace, space, defence and security sector.
The NAE network brings together 185 organisations, more than 25,000 employees and €4.7 billion in revenue. Major groups, SMEs, subcontractors, training institutions and research organisations make up an ecosystem with a presence throughout the region.
This industrial momentum is directly reflected in the job market. NAE now forecasts 2,500 recruitments per year from 2026 to 2030, with opportunities available at every qualification level, from vocational qualifications (CAP) to PhD level (Bac+8).
Strong demand for skills
Since the beginning of 2026, NAE has already recorded 420 job openings among its members: 307 at major contractors and 123 at SMEs – a figure which does not cover all recruitments across the sector.
At the start of the academic year, 150 positions remained unfilled across 40 companies, 75% of them are permanent contracts (CDIs). Demand is evenly split between production operators, technicians and engineers.
Manufacturing, machining, welding, wiring, maintenance, engineering, procurement, data and systems: the profiles sought reflect the wide range of careers in aerospace and defence. For some companies, recruitment difficulties can even become a constraint on their ability to secure new contracts.
Training to support growth
Against this backdrop, the challenge goes beyond immediate recruitment. It also means anticipating the skills that industrial companies will need in the years ahead.
Initial training, career changes, certification programmes and closer links between companies and candidates all contribute to this effort. The NAE network draws on its 23-member education and training institutions to help develop the skills businesses need.
With recruitment needs set to remain high and business prospects continuing to be strong, aerospace and defence are reaffirming their position among Normandy’s industrial sectors creating jobs.
Sources: NAE, press releases dated 29 January, 26 June and 7 September 2026; La Gazette France, article dated 7 September 2026.
