by Erin Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers

The 200 new positions that Lockheed Martin will add to its Eagan facility are a sign that Minnesotaís economic recovery is gaining momentum, said Gov. Tim Pawlenty last Thursday.

ìThese are high-paying, high-skilled, information-based technology jobs that represent the kind of jobs weíre working to create,î he said.

Lockheed Martin, which develops programs for the Navy and Department of Defense, is looking to fill new positions in its tactical systems division.

ìOur primary customer here is the Department of Defense,î said Sheri Grone, director of communications for Lockheed Martin. ìThere probably isnít a ship in the Navy that doesnít have one of our processors on board.î

The jobs are mostly engineering positions related to the defense industry, but the company is also hiring for administrative and support positions.

More than 70 positions have already been posted on Minnesotaís Job Bank, www.mnworks.org.

ìWe are hiring and interviewing as we speak,î Grone said. ìWeíre looking for everyone from new college grads up to 10 years of experience in the field.î

Richard F. Ambrose, president of Lockheed Martinís Eagan facility, said the new jobs are permanent positions and are not predicated on the war in Iraq. Rather, the company is positioning itself for anticipated future growth.

ìThe jobs ... are uniquely positioned to help us grow our business in new and innovative ways, allowing us to continue our support of the defense industry throughout the world,î he said.

The new positions will include systems, software, electrical, aero structure, configuration management, and specialty engineers. The company will also offer program management, business development, business analysis, contracting and marketing, as well as administrative support jobs.

About 1,400 people are currently employed at the Eagan facility.

ìThese jobs are a tremendous boost for Minnesota and for northern Dakota County as our need for good-paying, high-skilled jobs are evident,î said Eagan Sen. Mike McGinn.

Lockheed Martin is a quiet company that doesnít ask much from the community, said Eagan Rep. Tim Wilkin.

ìI think their commitment to Eagan and Minnesota generally is a good vote of confidence in the positive business and jobs climate we are developing in Minnesota,î he said.

Eagan Rep. Lynn Wardlow agreed.

ìWhen companies like Lockheed Martin grow, everyone in the community benefits,î he said.

While the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin has had a presence in Minnesota for 40 years.

ìWe like being in Minnesota. We are looking to attract local talent,î Grone said. ìThere is a good work ethic, good people and highly-skilled employees at this facility. Itís an extremely successful division of Lockheed Martin.î

Erin Johnson is at eagan.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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