Denver Engineer Jobs Created by Sierra Nevada Corp.

One Nevada-based aerospace company is planning to create Denver engineer jobs at the company's Colorado operations.

Sierra Nevada Corporation recently announced its plans to create an additional 200 jobs in Colorado at the company's facility in Centennial, which is located just outside Denver. The added jobs are the result of the company's efforts to expand and increase capital investment.

The company also is taking advantage of the Job Growth Incentive fund, a new state tax law designed to encourage business expansion. That law provides a credit on payroll taxes for each new job companies create, which is applied each year and is equivalent to 3.8 percent of the employee's salary.

"While the nation's economy continues to struggle, Colorado is leading the way toward a strong and sustainable recovery because of our focus on innovation, manufacturing and future-oriented industries like aerospace," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "Sierra Nevada Corp.'s decision ... reflects the long-term confidence and optimism that defines the Colorado spirit."

Sierra Nevada Corp. owns three major Colorado aerospace businesses, including MicroSat Systems, Inc. in Littleton, Straight Flight Inc. in Englewood and SpaceDev, Inc. in Louisville. According to an article by The Denver Post, the company has not yet revealed whether the new jobs will solely benefit Sierra Nevada Corp.'s offices near Denver or be spread throughout its Colorado operations.

Sierra Nevada Corp. specializes in engineering and development of high-tech electronics, communications systems and space technology. The company currently has about 2,000 employees in 20 states, most of which are engineers and scientists.

Since the Job Growth Incentive fund was enacted, six companies have added hundreds of jobs or relocated to Colorado, including RePower USA Corp., DaVita Inc. and SMA Solar Technology.