9News · 26 Oct, 17:58 · Business briefing

Business Buzz: The data center backlash, and how Lockheed Martin is expanding in Colorado

Lockheed Martin is significantly expanding its operations in Colorado, a move occurring alongside growing public concern regarding the environmental and infrastructural demands of data centres.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Lockheed Martin is significantly expanding its operations in Colorado, a move occurring alongside growing public concern regarding the environmental and infrastructural demands of data centres. The report highlights the aerospace giant’s strategic investment in the region, contrasting corporate growth with the emerging backlash against large-scale technological infrastructure. This development underscores the complex interplay between defence sector expansion and local community impacts, particularly concerning energy consumption and land use. Professionals should note how major industrial players are navigating these tensions while scaling their physical and digital footprints in key US markets.

Employer demand for Project Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This expansion signals sustained demand for defence and aerospace expertise in Colorado. You should prioritise skills in project management and compliance to navigate the complex regulatory landscape surrounding large-scale infrastructure. Professionals in engineering and cyber security will see heightened opportunities as Lockheed Martin scales its digital and physical operations. Consider upskilling in sustainable practices to address the data centre backlash, positioning yourself as a candidate who understands both technical delivery and environmental responsibility. Monitor local job boards for roles requiring hybrid technical and stakeholder management capabilities. Proactively updating your CV with relevant certification in risk management will distinguish you in this competitive, high-stakes sector.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Project Management, Cyber Security, Engineering and Compliance And Governance — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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