Boeing in Dallas TX in 2026: space, defense, and satellite operations in the metroplex
Boeing's presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is broader than most people realize. While the company's DFW operations do not get the same attention as St. Louis or Seattle, the Boeing facilities around Dallas and Richardson, TX play a significant role in space and defense programs, including Starliner crew capsule support, satellite operations, and defense electronics. If you are searching for information about Boeing company Dallas TX, this is what the footprint looks like in 2026.
This article covers Boeing's Dallas-area operations, the programs based here, the types of roles available, and how the DFW location fits into Boeing's broader strategy.
Boeing's Dallas-Fort Worth footprint
Boeing does not have a single massive campus in Dallas like the one in St. Louis or Everett. Instead, the DFW presence is distributed across several facilities:
Richardson, TX
The Richardson office is the largest Boeing facility in the DFW area. Located in the Telecom Corridor along US-75, this site focuses on:
- Satellite systems: Ground system software, satellite command and control, mission operations
- Space and Launch: Starliner program support, including mission operations and software development
- Network and communications: Military satellite communications, ground terminals
- Cybersecurity: Defense-related cyber operations and secure communications
Plano and other locations
Boeing maintains smaller offices in Plano and other DFW suburbs for business functions, defense electronics, and IT operations. Some teams supporting Boeing Global Services also operate from the area.
Arlington corporate presence
Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, VA in 2022, but some corporate functions and leadership roles remain in the DFW area, particularly those tied to defense programs.
Key programs at Boeing Dallas
Starliner (CST-100)
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner crew capsule is designed to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. While the primary Starliner production and integration happens at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Dallas-area team supports:
- Mission operations software development
- Ground system engineering
- Flight software testing and verification
- Telemetry and communications systems
The Starliner program has faced delays and technical challenges, but it remains an active Boeing program with crew flights supporting the ISS.
Satellite ground systems
Boeing Dallas engineers work on ground control segments for military satellite constellations, including:
- Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS): Military broadband communications satellite system
- GPS: Ground control software for GPS satellite constellation
- Protected communications: Secure satellite communication systems for defense
Defense electronics
The DFW team contributes to various defense electronics programs including:
- Electronic warfare systems
- Radar and sensor integration
- Secure communications networks
- Military data link systems
Boeing's Dallas operation is the kind of facility that does not make headlines, but the work happening in Richardson touches everything from astronaut missions to military satellite communications that entire branches of the armed forces depend on.
Boeing's role in the DFW aerospace ecosystem
Dallas-Fort Worth has a deep aerospace ecosystem that extends well beyond Boeing:
| Company | DFW Presence | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing | Richardson, Plano | Satellites, Starliner, defense electronics |
| Lockheed Martin | Fort Worth | F-35 production (largest fighter jet factory in the world) |
| Raytheon (RTX) | Richardson, McKinney | Missiles, defense electronics, space sensors |
| Collins Aerospace (RTX) | Richardson | Avionics, communications, space systems |
| L3Harris | Greenville, Plano | ISR systems, electronic warfare |
| Bell | Fort Worth | V-280 Valor, rotorcraft |
| Elbit Systems of America | Fort Worth | Defense electronics, EW |
This concentration means that Boeing Dallas employees have abundant options if they want to stay in DFW and change employers. The talent pool is deep, and defense clearances transfer between companies.
Types of roles at Boeing Dallas
Software engineering
Software is the largest engineering discipline at Boeing's Richardson facility:
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer I-II | $80,000-$110,000 | Ground systems, mission ops, C++/Java |
| Senior Software Engineer | $110,000-$140,000 | Architecture, system design, DevSecOps |
| Software Test Engineer | $75,000-$105,000 | Test automation, verification, CI/CD |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | $90,000-$135,000 | Secure systems, NIST frameworks, RMF |
Systems engineering
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineer | $85,000-$125,000 | Requirements, integration, satellite ops |
| Mission Operations Engineer | $80,000-$115,000 | Satellite command/control, anomaly resolution |
| Communications Systems Engineer | $85,000-$130,000 | RF, satellite links, ground terminals |
Program management and business
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Program Manager | $100,000-$145,000 | Satellite or Starliner program execution |
| Business Analyst | $70,000-$95,000 | Data analysis, reporting |
| Contracts Specialist | $70,000-$100,000 | Government contracting, FAR/DFAR |
Compensation and cost of living
Pay at Boeing Dallas
Boeing Richardson salaries are competitive with the broader DFW defense market:
| Level | Engineering Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 years) | $78,000-$95,000 | BS required, clearance a plus |
| Mid (3-7 years) | $95,000-$125,000 | Active clearance expected |
| Senior (8-15 years) | $120,000-$150,000 | Technical leadership roles |
| Principal/Fellow | $145,000-$175,000+ | Deep domain expertise required |
DFW cost of living
The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers a strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio:
| Area | Median Home Price (2026 est.) | Commute to Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Richardson | ~$380,000 | 0-10 min |
| Plano | ~$420,000 | 10-15 min |
| Allen / McKinney | ~$400,000 | 15-25 min |
| Garland / Sachse | ~$320,000 | 10-20 min |
| Frisco | ~$450,000 | 20-25 min |
No state income tax in Texas adds 5-10% effective compensation compared to states like California, New York, or Virginia.
Security clearance requirements
Most engineering roles at Boeing Richardson require a U.S. security clearance:
- Secret clearance: Required for most satellite and ground system roles
- Top Secret: Required for some classified satellite programs and Phantom Works
- TS/SCI: Required for select intelligence-related programs
- U.S. citizenship: Required for essentially all technical positions
Boeing sponsors clearances for new hires, but having an active clearance significantly speeds up the hiring process.
How Boeing Dallas connects to space
For job seekers interested in space specifically, Boeing's Dallas operations have direct ties to:
- Starliner crew transportation: Software and mission ops work supporting ISS crew flights
- GPS satellites: Ground control engineering for the constellation that is fundamental to space operations
- Military space communications: WGS and follow-on satellite programs
- Space Development Agency: Boeing competes for SDA contracts, and some DFW engineers support these space-layer defense programs
This makes Boeing Dallas a genuine entry point for space careers, even though the facility is not launching rockets or assembling spacecraft.
Frequently asked questions
What does Boeing do in Dallas?
Boeing's DFW operations focus on satellite ground systems, Starliner mission support, defense electronics, cybersecurity, and military communications. The primary facility is in Richardson, TX.
How many people does Boeing employ in Dallas?
Approximately 2,000+ employees across the DFW metroplex, with the largest concentration in Richardson.
Is Boeing hiring in Dallas in 2026?
Yes. Software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity roles are consistently posted for the Richardson facility. Check boeing.com/careers and filter for Richardson or Dallas.
Do Boeing Dallas jobs require a security clearance?
Most technical positions require at least a secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for nearly all roles.
How does Boeing Dallas compare to Lockheed Martin Fort Worth?
Boeing Dallas is smaller and more software/satellite focused. Lockheed Fort Worth is the massive F-35 production site with 10,000+ employees. Both require clearances, and the DFW defense talent pool moves between them.
Find Boeing and space careers in Texas
Boeing's Dallas operations are one way into the space and defense industry in Texas. Browse Boeing careers across all locations on Zero G Talent, or explore software engineering jobs and satellite operations roles in the space sector. Texas-based space seekers can also check out SpaceX in Starbase and Hawthorne, plus defense opportunities across the DFW corridor.
