The Next Era of Exploration is Here

Meet the pioneers of space exploration and tourism, ILC Dover

BY ROB REED

FOR DELAWAREANS, Frederica’s ILC Dover is known as “the spacesuit company” … but in the space industry, the Company is a beacon of innovation and technology leadership.

Based in Delaware for more than 75 years, ILC Dover has upheld our commitment to innovation since the Apollo era and continues to be a driving force in the realm of space technology. This commitment has taken our softgoods solutions to unparalleled levels of strength and durability and forged a legacy representing decades of tireless innovation that is woven into the very fabric of ILC Dover’s softgoods.

Space exploration has evolved into a thriving commercial industry, significantly increasing the funding and pace of innovation in this aerospace sector. As the industry evolves, ILC Dover adapts our structures to meet seemingly impossible demands. We continue to work with NASA on extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, having been tapped to replace the International Space Station (ISS) spacesuit. Our innovation extends to the groundbreaking Radome technology used for radar and surveillance, spacecraft landing airbags, and more.

The Space & Engineered Solutions Division of ILC Dover is dedicated to advancing life in low-Earth orbit (LEO) while driving critical work with groundbreaking innovations—one of which is the development of space habitats. These inflatable, cost-efficient environmental systems are engineered to be lightweight, safe, and expand to three times their packable volume when deployed in LEO. Habitats will enable business, research, and tourism opportunities in LEO and on lunar and planetary surfaces—ushering a new way of living and working in space. They will be utilized on projects like Orbital Reef, Blue Origin, and Sierra Space’s commercial LEO space station, set to be operational by the end of the decade.

Close to 250 employees make up the Space & Engineered Solutions Division of ILC Dover, many of whom reside in Delaware’s three counties. Our investments, including over $6 million in improvements to the Delaware site in 2023, not only benefit our expanding Division, but also contribute to the local economy, fostering a prosperous future for Delawareans.

We are actively seeking dedicated, collaborative candidates to fill various technical roles, including STEM professionals, safety personnel, sewing operators specializing in spacesuit creation, materials engineers with backgrounds in chemistry and textiles, and systems engineers to adapt our offerings to meet customer requirements.

Frederica, Delaware stands at the heart of excellence in Space & Engineered Solutions at ILC Dover. Our ongoing commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the future of space exploration. We are the next generation of pioneers, forging new frontiers space technology, and it’s all happening right here Delaware.

Rob Reed is the president of space and engineered solutions at ILC Dover. For job opportunities, visit ilcdover.com/careers.