The Aerospace Corporation Named One of AARP'S Best Employers for Workers Over 50

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (September 11, 2009) -- The Aerospace Corporation has been selected as one of AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 for the seventh time since the recognition began in 2001.

Dr.Wanda Austin, president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, said the continuing recognition by AARP is an affirmation of the company's values.

"Our employees represent the best our country has to offer in engineering and science," she said. "We offer unique expertise in national security space that comes through experience and mentoring the next generation."

Criteria for selection include recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development, workplace accommodations, options for flexible work schedules, employee health and pension benefits, and benefits for retirees. Companies are evaluated by a panel of judges comprised of private sector, nonprofit and government labor experts.

"We are delighted that The Aerospace Corporation has made the list of AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50. This honor demonstrates a real commitment to older workers," said Deborah Russell, AARP's Director of Workforce Issues.

Nearly one-half of The Aerospace Corporation's 3,800 regular, full-time workers are over 50. Among the benefits older employees enjoy are a phased retirement program, alternative work arrangements -- such as flextime and telecommuting -- and special arrangements for those who want to continue working after they retire.

"We have an unbeatable track record, spanning the entire history of the national security space program," Austin explained. "We also recruit the best and brightest recent college graduates and the combination makes us uniquely qualified to address America's future national security challenges and grow our future workforce."

AARP The Magazine will feature the 2009 Best Employers in its November-December issue, available in homes September 24. The article will be found online then at www.aarpmagazine.org

Contact mediaqueries@aero.org.