Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) formally announced today that Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (INTUITIVE), an aerospace engineering and analysis firm, has selected Colorado Springs for expansion. There, INTUITIVE will support the state’s leading aerospace and defense industry by providing engineering, analysis, problem solving and technical management support to government, defense and military clients.
“Colorado’s robust aerospace community continues to attract companies and exciting career opportunities, and we are excited to welcome INTUITIVE to Colorado Springs, bringing 71 good-paying jobs. INTUITIVE joins a thriving and innovative aerospace ecosystem in Colorado Springs, where U.S. Space Command continues to carry out its important mission protecting national security in the space domain as we remain strong in our commitment to advocate for Space Command’s rightful home in Colorado Springs,” said Gov. Polis and Lt. Gov. Primavera.
Colorado is home to the largest private aerospace economy per capita in the U.S., with more than 240,000 workers in the state’s aerospace industry. In Colorado Springs alone, more than 250 companies provide advanced technologies in national defense, global positioning systems, cybersecurity and satellite communications. The city’s role as a leader in aerospace, research and innovation made it an attractive location for INTUITIVE to grow.
“When business is doing well, growth is inevitable. After consideration of many geographical locations, it was clear that Colorado Springs was the best fit for our strategic needs—a fresh new landscape for our business operations and growth,” said Tim Mango, Executive Vice President at INTUITIVE. “INTUITIVE has seen rapid growth over the last few years and expanding into new markets has been essential to support this progression. We are excited to better serve our growing customer base in Colorado Springs, not only to showcase our own capabilities, but to witness how the Colorado Springs market as a whole is thriving in the Mountain West.”
In Colorado, INTUITIVE will draw on nearly 25 years of experience to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF), U.S. Space Command, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Intelligence Community, other space warfighting units and broader government and commercial activities across the region. Cybersecurity, software, and modeling and simulation activities will include both unclassified and classified elements and require office space, lab space and closed areas for classified analysis and processing.
The company expects to create 71 net new, high-wage jobs at an average annual salary above the median annual wage in El Paso County. The positions will include senior software, engineer, senior cyber engineer/analyst, program manager, program controller, modeling, and simulation engineer roles.
“INTUITIVE’s expansion into Colorado Springs is yet another testament to the strength of Colorado’s aerospace and defense industry and the talent of our workforce. Their experience and their expertise will be a welcome addition to this important part of Colorado’s economy and the Colorado Springs community,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.
The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $1,347,612 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits for INTUITIVE, over an 8-year period. These incentives are contingent upon the company, referred to as Project Beacon throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements.
INTUITIVE expects to hold a grand opening for its new office in the Garden of the Gods Business Park in August 2023 and joins a growing number of companies in the electronics and aerospace and defense industries to select Colorado Springs for expansion since December 2022. These expansion projects are expected to add a cumulative 1,347 jobs to the local economy in coming years.
“Colorado Springs’ strategic location, dynamic business growth atmosphere, cutting-edge technology, and highly educated workforce, create a fertile environment for innovation opportunities, making it a logical place for space companies to expand and support military and commercial space missions,” said Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “We are pleased to welcome INTUITIVE into our business community and join our high-powered, established space industry in a location that is a great place to live and do business.”
INTUITIVE also considered Cape Canaveral, Florida for expansion. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, the company currently has more than 500 employees, 3 of whom are in Colorado.