Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing
Size Standard: 1,500 employees
NAICS code 336412 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft engines and engine parts. This includes turbofan engines, turboprop engines, turbojet engines, turboshaft engines for helicopters, and the extensive range of engine components and accessories.
Aircraft engine manufacturing and sustainment represents one of the highest-value segments of aerospace contracting. The Department of Defense spends billions annually on propulsion systems for military aircraft. Major engine programs support fighters, bombers, transports, tankers, trainers, and helicopters.
Engine sustainment and overhaul is often larger than initial procurement over the lifecycle. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and military depots manage the supply chain for engine parts, overhaul kits, and spare components. The military maintains organic depot capability alongside commercial engine maintenance.
NASA supports aeronautics propulsion research and development, advancing engine technology for future aircraft. Commercial airline engines are also relevant as military transports and some naval aircraft use commercial derivative engines.
While complete engine manufacturing is dominated by major primes (GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce), the engine parts and component supply chain offers extensive opportunities for smaller manufacturers. Precision machined parts, castings, forgings, and specialized components are sourced from hundreds of suppliers.
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- NASA
- U.S. Army
- Engine Component Manufacturing
- Turbine Blade and Vane Production
- Engine Overhaul Parts Kits
- Propulsion System Development
- Engine Accessories Manufacturing
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 336412:
What is covered under NAICS 336412?
This code covers aircraft engine manufacturing (turbofan, turboprop, turbojet, turboshaft) and the full range of engine parts including turbine blades, compressor components, combustors, gearboxes, and accessories.
What is the size standard for NAICS 336412?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 336412 is 1,500 employees, reflecting the capital-intensive and technically demanding nature of aerospace propulsion manufacturing.
What supply chain opportunities exist for small businesses?
Small businesses manufacture engine components including precision machined parts, castings, forgings, turbine blades, bearings, seals, and accessories. The engine supply chain is extensive with hundreds of tier 2/3 suppliers.
What is Nadcap certification?
Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) certifies special processes like heat treating, welding, non-destructive testing, and surface treatments. Many engine component buyers require Nadcap-accredited suppliers.
How important is engine sustainment contracting?
Engine sustainment often exceeds initial procurement value over the lifecycle. Overhaul, repair, parts supply, and life extension programs represent significant ongoing contract opportunities separate from new engine production.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
Looking for contracts?
Let GovContractScout do the work. We'll match you with relevant government contracts automatically.
Get Matched FreeSkip the Portals - Let Us Find Contracts for You
GovContractScout automatically finds government contracts that match your business and delivers them straight to your inbox.
Try GovContractScout Free