Defense Contractor AAI to Hire for 148 Positions

AAI Textron Systems is hiring for 148 positions, including 81 at its Hunt Valley headquarters on Industry Lane.

The company designs, engineers and manufactures aerospace and defense technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense. Their products have been used in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

The majority of these jobs are in the engineering, science and finance fields, said Bob Peters, the company's senior vice president and general manager of the test and training department. And Peters is encouraging local residents to apply.

"It's always better to hire from the area," he said.

AAI, which employs more than 2,500 people, had 300 new hires this year, according to Anna-Maria Palmer, vice president of human resources and security. The corporation also has internships for 40 college students and one or two opportunites for high school students.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, District 3 Councilman Todd Huff and members of the local media, including Patch, were among those touring the Hunt Valley facilities on Tuesday as part of the county's initiative to assess the needs of major businesses in the area. Previously, county officials have visited McCormick & Spice Company and Middle River Aircraft Systems.

"We value AAI's presence in Hunt Valley and we want them to stay here," Kamenetz said. "We need to know what are the needs of our existing employers."

Kamenetz also stressed the importance of making sure Baltimore County students are prepared to enter the workforce.

"We need to find out what jobs are out there and what do we need to teach our kids," he said.

Huff, a first term councilman, said his constituents have made it clear that jobs are a priority.

"I think right now we are looking to sustain the manufacturing industry in Baltimore County," he said. "More jobs mean more growth."